The Carolina to Buffalo pipeline remains strong. Instead of releasing backup linebacker Andre Smith, the Panthers have instead traded him to the Bills in exchange for a conditional late-round pick in 2023, according to the team website.
Smith was a seventh-round pick himself back in 2018. Since then, he’s played in 19 regular season games, totaling 399 snaps, mostly on special teams. Clearly, former Carolina executive and Bills GM Brandon Beane sees him as a potential contributor in that area of the game.
Buffalo was considered the favorite to win the AFC East this season in the wake of Tom Brady’s exit. However, after Cam Newton signed with the Patriots those odds shifted back to New England.
We know Beane has assembled an outstanding defense and strong roster in general. Whether or not they make it back or do anything in the playoffs will depend mostly on how much quarterback Josh Allen can develop.
[lawrence-related id=628170]
[vertical-gallery id=628122]