Torrey

Smith

Smith went to training camp with the Panthers this summer but didn’t make their final 53. One of the better deep threats in football during his prime, Smith will finish his career with 319 catches for 5,141 yards and 41 touchdowns over 119 games between Baltimore, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Carolina. The 30-year-old Maryland alum won two Super Bowl rings (one each with Baltimore and Philadelphia) and also cleared 1,000 yards receiving during his breakout 2013. Smith had been on the decline for some time and likely saw the writing on the wall after being let go by Carolina this summer. You can hear Smith’s retirement statement in full by clicking the link below.

Panthers claimed WR Brandon Zylstra off waivers from the Vikings, making 30-year-old Smith the corresponding casualty. The veteran started strong for the Panthers last year but was ultimately removed from the team’s starting lineup in place of explosive rookie D.J. Moore once the former returned from a mid-season knee injury. With only Chris Hogan, Jarius Wright, and Zylstra behind them, there’s no reason (outside of rest) Carolina will take Moore or Curtis Samuel off the field this season.

Smith’s knee caused him to miss five games in 2018, but he’ll be ready for Week 1 even if his knee isn’t fully at 100 percent right now. Smith isn’t a fantasy option with D.J. Moore, Curtis Samuel, and others ahead of him on the depth chart.

Smith missed five games with knee issues last year. He’s not 100 percent for the start of training camp, but shouldn’t need much time to get cleared. There’s no concern over Smith’s Week 1 status.

Smith had been due a non-guaranteed $5 million. He will now make $2 million, though he can earn another $1 million back through bonuses. Headed into his age-30 campaign, Smith still has blazing deep speed but has caught just 106 total passes over the past four seasons. He is a role player.

It is a bit of a surprise with Smith due $5 million this season. Smith did not make much noise as a deep-ball specialist last year, catching 11 balls for 190 yards and two scores across 11 games. The Panthers could still eventually cut Smith with no cap charge.

The eight-year vet began the season in Carolina’s starting lineup but didn’t get his job back once a knee injury derailed his campaign in Week 7. Rookie D.J. Moore and former second-rounder Curtis Samuel took the reins from there as Smith saw just three targets over the Panthers’ final five games to close out the year. The 29-year-old signed a three-year, $15 million contract in 2017 and is owed $5 million next season. There’s legitimate potential the Panthers move forward without him in the offseason.

Smith got the start, but he ended up playing limited snaps. There was no injury announcement, but perhaps he suffered a setback. Smith will not be a fantasy option even if he is able to play next week.

This will be Smith’s first game action since Week 7. He’ll be needed Sunday with Devin Funchess (doubtful, back) unlikely to play. The epitome of a boom-or-bust deep threat, Smith will be a risky fantasy proposition against Seattle. Even with Smith back, D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel should be enticing pieces for DFS players looking to save money at wide receiver.

Despite being slapped with the questionable tag, coach Ron Rivera said he felt “pretty confident” Smith would suit up and play Sunday. Devin Funchess (back, doubtful) will likely be out, though, keeping D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel involved as integral pieces in Carolina’s explosive offense. Though he’s not a fantasy option himself, Smith’s downfield presence should open the field for Moore.