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

Shi Smith – Carolina Panthers WR

There was a lot to like about the way Shi Smith applied himself with his aspirations hanging in the balance this summer. The wide receiver came into training camp with a renewed sense of purpose after some enlightening words from former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith following an offseason arrest, which led to increased effort and production to surge up the depth chart.

Smith entered the campaign as the Panthers’ third option behind D.J. Moore and Robbie Anderson. Considering how bleak things looked for the South Carolina product after his anonymous rookie campaign, this was a supreme step in the right direction.

Things haven’t gone according to plan since then. Smith’s found life difficult making his presence felt against starting-caliber opposition, bringing in just 39.1 percent of his targets so far.

The wideout is also credited with three drops, which accounts for 13 percent of his overall targets. The emergence of Terrace Marshall Jr. has put Smith further down the pecking order, but there could be opportunities upcoming after the Panthers traded away Anderson and Christian McCaffrey before the deadline.

What comes next is ultimately down to Smith. But if he fails to make the most of chances when they arise, then a new coaching staff with no emotional attachment to the player could deem him surplus to requirements.