Shi Smith Fantasy

Carolina Panthers running back Raheem Blackshear ranked among the league's top-10 kickoff returners last year with a 27-yard average. However, the team's punt-return job looks to be wide open this summer, with wide receivers Shi Smith, Damiere Byrd and Marquez Stevenson and Blackshear in the mix. Stevenson returned kicks and punts for the Buffalo Bills in 2021 after being taken in the sixth round. "We have some guys that we're kind of working through. Some of the rookies just showed up," special teams coordinator Chris Tabor said. "It's going to be a work in progress but I'm excited about the guys that we have just because of how hard they work. That'll give us a chance."

May. 30th • 10:40 PM

The Carolina Panthers traded top wideout DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears in order to secure the No. 1 overall pick in the draft to take quarterback Bryce Young. Nobody can match Moore's individual production, but Carolina's receiver group in 2023 is collectively deeper than last year. Shi Smith, a third-year receiver who started six games last year, might not make the team out of training camp. Adam Thielen and DJ Chark will be the team's top-two receivers, with Terrace Marshall Jr. or rookie Jonathan Mingo serving as the No. 3. Smith will battle with Laviska Shenault Jr. and Damiere Byrd for a reserve role this summer. In his second NFL season in 2022, Smith had 22 receptions for 296 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games (six starts).

May. 1st • 11:20 AM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Shi Smith tallied four receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown on four targets in a Week 17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith finished second on the team in targets, trailing only DJ Moore, and found the end zone early in the fourth quarter on a 19-yard strike from quarterback Sam Darnold. With the Panthers officially eliminated from playoff contention following Sunday's loss, Smith will have one more opportunity in his second season when the team takes on the New Orleans Saints in Week 18.

Jan. 1st • 8:25 PM