Ranking the 7 worst contracts in Carolina Panthers history
By Jason Huber
Chuck Smith – Former Carolina Panthers DE
- Signed five-year, $21 million deal in 2000
The worst contract is one that younger Carolina Panthers fans might not remember as it was signed 22 years ago. That honor goes to defensive end Chuck Smith, who actually tortured the team for years while playing for the division rival Atlanta Falcons from 1992 to 1999.
Smith had 58.5 sacks in his first eight seasons, helped lead the Falcons to the Super Bowl, and was named a second-team All-Pro in 1997.
When Smith became a free agent prior to the 2000 season, the Panthers were tired of facing him every year and signed him to a five-year, $21 million deal.
At 31 years old, Smith had only missed five games throughout his career at that time. But there are rumors that Carolina knew about his knee arthritis even when they signed him.
Well, the rumors turned out to be true as Smith played in just two games during his first Panthers season due to injuries. After that, the pass-rusher had multiple surgeries on his knee and retired.
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It was just an awful deal and probably the worst of the bunch all things considered.