5 Panthers players who should be worried after free-agent signings
By Dean Jones
Shi Smith – Carolina Panthers WR
The Carolina Panthers took a flyer on Shi Smith in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He was seen as a developmental wide receiver with enormous upside, but the wide receiver was virtually anonymous during his rookie season that was surprising when one considers how other prominent pass-catchers were struggling to make an impression.
Carolina isn’t going to wait around on the off chance Smith can make the necessary improvements this offseason. The team brought back a dependable presence in Brandon Zylstra and also picked up Rashard Higgins from the Cleveland Browns, which is a low-risk, high-reward option if he can return to his 2020 form.
This lays down the gauntlet to Smith in no uncertain terms. Either the South Carolina product begins forcing his way into the team’s plans, or he will remain on the fringes or even off the 53-man roster entirely.
It might be a little harsh from Smith’s standpoint. But the NFL is a ruthless business and the Panthers need players that can contribute right now with Matt Rhule clearly on the hot seat after his team lost 12 of their final 14 games in 2021.
Smith is a determined character that will take this challenge head-on. However, it’s time to transition his playmaking abilities into a competitive environment.