5 Carolina Panthers players who’ve contributed almost nothing in 2022

Which Carolina Panthers players have contributed almost nothing during a rollercoaster 2022 season so far?

All the hope that surrounded genuine progression for the Carolina Panthers before the 2022 campaign has all but evaporated. It’s been dramatic on and off the field, but results just aren’t where they need to be and certainly not what team owner David Tepper envisaged when he gave Matt Rhule another year to prove himself.

Rhule was fired after Week 5 and the Panthers also traded Christian McCaffrey and Robbie Anderson – two established veterans that were deemed necessary sacrifices in pursuit of a sustainable future.

For those remaining, there is a lot on the line over Carolina’s remaining fixtures. Their win over the Atlanta Falcons shifts the landscape slightly, but many are fighting for their own individual futures and that’s why throwing in the towel is simply not an option.

With this in mind, here are five Panthers players who have contributed almost nothing in 2022.

Player No. 1

Brandon Smith – Carolina Panthers LB

Considering how inconsistent things have been at the second level, it’s been surprising to see such a lack of involvement for Brandon Smith. The fourth-round selection left a lasting mark during training camp and the preseason, but this hasn’t translated to a competitive environment as yet and it remains to be seen whether this trajectory alters in the coming weeks.

Smith has all the athletic attributes and has been a valuable contributor on special teams. The Carolina Panthers appear reluctant to place him on the defensive rotation more often than not, but the coaching staff has nothing to lose with the team going nowhere fast right now.