Shi

Smith

Miller’s time in the NFL feels dangerously close to being up. The former second-round pick hasn’t played a regular-season snap since 2021 and has spent time on the Steelers, 49ers, Colts, and Chiefs from 2022-2024. Miller signed a futures contract with the Chiefs in January but was likely released to make room for an incoming class of rookie picks and UDFAs. In addition to Miller, the Chiefs also parted ways with WR Shi Smith and DE Jordan Smith.

Smith was a sixth-round pick of the Panthers and played two seasons for them before getting released prior to this season. He joins a Titans team with a lackluster receiving corps behind DeAndre Hopkins. Notably, the Titans also placed RB Julius Chestnut on injured reserve, potentially opening up an offensive spot for Smith soon.

Taylor was a fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and played on 378 defensive snaps last season. One of several Matt Rhule draft picks to get the ax on cut-down day, Taylor earned a PFF coverage grade of 52.1 last season and allowed 23 receptions for 369 yards and two touchdowns on 30 targets. In addition to Taylor, the Panthers also waived/released WR Shi Smith, LB Brandon Smith, WR Javon Wims, OL Justin McCray, and LB Deion Jones.

Smith finishes his second NFL campaign with 22 catches for 296 yards and two touchdowns. He ranked third on the team in receiving yards but was one of just two Carolina wideouts to appear in all 17 games. The former sixth-round pick was stuck in a rotational role all year. There are multiple players standing between him and a starting job heading into 2023.

The 70 yards were a new season high for the 2021 sixth-rounder, while the touchdown was his second. Smith has been more involved since the Panthers reinstalled Sam Darnold under center, but not in a way that’s producing WR5 or DFS value. The Saints are on tap for next weekend’s season finale.

Smith found the end zone immediately after Seattle turned the ball over in their own territory. The touchdown grab was the first of Smith’s rookie season. He is not on the fantasy radar yet but could be worth a look in deep dynasty leagues.

Depressingly, Smith tied D.J. Moore with five targets while Terrace Marshall led the Panthers with six targets against Baltimore. Smith is not a fantasy option, however. He has ten receptions on 24 targets as a part-time wideout in the terrible Carolina offense this year.

Shenault has missed Carolina’s past two games and would step into a Robbie Anderson-less Panthers offense in Week 7 if he’s able to play. A Wednesday practice after an extended absence is usually a good sign for a player’s availability. Anderson had accounted for 18 percent of the team’s targets and 17 percent of the team’s air yards through six weeks. Shenault and Shi Smith should see increased playing time with Anderson dispatched to Arizona. Neither is a viable fantasy play outside 14-team leagues with multiple flex spots.

Smith got his chance to serve as the Panthers’ WR3 and it was forgettable. Key drops kept him from taking advantage of his target volume. As the third option in a bad passing offense, it’s in your best interest to avoid Smith for now.

Smith popped on the injury report on Friday with this status and didn’t practice. He was to be Carolina’s kick returner after Andre Roberts was released, so it’s possible we see some elevations to cover that on Saturday if he’s ruled out. Matt Rhule noted that Smith was on the “positive” side of questionable. Smith had one catch for 12 yards on three targets in the opener against Cleveland.