5 free agents that could help the Panthers immediately after 1-2 start
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could target Jimmy Smith
Although there is more than enough talent within the cornerback room for the Carolina Panthers to effectively navigate the 2022 campaign, all it’ll take is one or two injuries to completely shift that narrative. Something we saw this week with Donte Jackson and Stantley Thomas-Oliver III on the injury report before taking their places in the lineup.
Jimmy Smith has been a solid if not spectacular performer throughout his career. The cornerback spent 11 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens after being taken No. 27 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, but both parties went their separate ways this offseason and he hasn’t found a new home since.
Smith has the necessary size at 6-foot-2 to assist in press coverage. His ability against the run from a tackling standpoint is another overlooked but positive element to the player’s overall contribution.
The Panthers might be content to ride it out with what they have. And for the most part, it looked like a competent group versus the New Orleans Saints despite a big afternoon for rookie wideout Chris Olave.
It’s unlikely that Smith would cost the earth at this stage. The veteran might not have the explosiveness of old, but experience counts for a great deal and is something Carolina lacks within this positional group outside of Jackson.