The #Panthers have released LB Andre Smith, source said, a former 2018 draft pick. He’s become a special teams core player in Carolina, and likely catches on in that role elsewhere.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 31, 2020
According to a report by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Panthers have released linebacker Andre Smith.
Like the recently released running back Jordan Scarlett, Smith was another questionable late round draft pick by general manager Marty Hurney. We thought he had a shot to make the 53-man roster this year, but that was never a sure thing. Experience is at a premium this season given the lack of preseason games and most of the offseason being canceled due to the pandemic. That’s going to put players like Smith at a major disadvantage as cuts begin later this week.
Smith getting cut is good news for veteran linebackers like Adarius Taylor and Julian Stanford, who are competing for a roster spot at the bottom end of the depth chart at this position. Whoever stands out on special teams will have the best chance to survive when rosters are trimmed down.
Update:
The Panthers have announced Smith’s release. No corresponding move has been reported yet as of this time. It’s possible the team is opening up space to make room for a defensive back. Over the weekend, the Athletic reported that Carolina is calling other NFL teams looking for secondary help.
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