Free-agent wide receiver Shi Smith signed with the practice squad of the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday. Smith spent the previous two years with the Carolina Panthers before they released him ahead of the 2023 season, accumulating 28 catches for 400 yards and two touchdowns across 23 games. In Tennessee, Smith will look to carve out a role behind wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins, Treylon Burks, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. It is unlikely that Smith makes a fantasy impact in the run-first Titans offense, even if he does get elevated from the practice squad at some point.
Raheem Blackshear, Shi Smith Competing For Punt-Return Job
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."
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).
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.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Shi Smith has played on at least 50 percent of snaps in three straight weeks and could take the field consistently going forward with Robbie Anderson and Christian McCaffrey recently traded. His first opportunity to do so will come against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7. With DJ Moore as the primary target and Terrace Marshall Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr. (hamstring) expected to mix in, Smith is not on the fantasy radar right now, especially with PJ Walker under center. The 23-year-old is currently nothing more than a name to monitor in deep dynasty formats.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Shi Smith led the team in receiving yards last week and could have an expanded role in a Week 6 bout with the Los Angeles Rams. Laviska Shenault Jr. (hamstring) is slated to miss a second consecutive game and Robbie Anderson (illness) is listed as questionable heading into the weekend. If Anderson is inactive, Smith and fellow second-year wideout Terrace Marshall Jr. could be primed for key roles in Carolina's offense led by quarterback PJ Walker. Both players may be worth a speculative add in deeper leagues, but neither should be relied upon in starting fantasy lineups this week regardless of Anderson's availability.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Shi Smith caught four of his five targets for 69 yards in a Week 5 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Smith had his best performance of the season and led the Panthers in receiving yards. The 23-year-old could be a worthwhile dynasty stash, but there unfortunately is not a clear path for Smith to have fantasy relevance this season. Former second-round NFL Draft pick Terrace Marshall Jr. was finally involved this week and it's unclear if Smith will have a role once Laviska Shenault Jr. (ankle) returns to action. He can be left on waivers in normal redraft leagues.
Carolina Panthers second-year receiver Shi Smith started in Friday night's preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills and turned four targets into three receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown. His score was the result of a 19-yard dime from quarterback Baker Mayfield in the second quarter. Smith has been getting work with the first-team offense and shined throughout training camp. He has likely secured himself a roster spot, but will probably not see many targets in the regular season unless a starter were to miss time. He is off the fantasy radar in redraft leagues but could be an interesting dynasty stash.
Shi Smith Arrested On Handgun, Drug-Possession Charges
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Shi Smith was arrested on Friday for unlawfully carrying a handgun, drug possession and speeding in South Carolina, according to Union County sheriff's office records. Smith was stopped for driving 86 mph in a 55 mph zone, and the deputy noticed an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The investigation of the 23-year-old is considered active. He was released on a $6,000 surety bond. In his rookie year in 2021, the sixth-rounder caught just six of his 11 targets for 104 yards and no touchdowns in six games played (no starts). Smith should be rostered in dynasty/keeper leagues, but he can continue going undrafted in single-year leagues, especially if quarterback Sam Darnold remains the starter under center.
The Carolina Panthers placed rookie wide receiver Shi Smith and veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday. Smith, a sixth-round pick, has been buried on the depth chart in his first NFL season, and he's unlikely to be available to play in the Week 18 regular season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith's role will likely be expanded next season, but if he's played his last game this year, he'll finish with six catches for 104 yards on 11 targets in six games played. Fellow rookie Terrace Marshall Jr. is on Injured Reserve and Robby Anderson hasn't practiced this week, so the Panthers could be down to Brandon Zylstra and Alex Erickson as their No. 2 and 3 wideouts behind D.J. Moore on Sunday.
