Torrey Smith

Smith was released by the Panthers at the start of September and will call it a career rather than attempt to latch on elsewhere. The 30-year-old played for the Ravens, 49ers, Eagles and Panthers over eight NFL seasons and totaled 319 receptions for 5,141 yards and 41 touchdowns in 119 games.

The veteran had played sparingly throughout the preseason, and saw just three targets in his appearances. Smith was originally set to become the team's fourth or fifth receiver, but with the team claiming Brandon Zylstra and Ray-Ray McCloud off waivers Sunday, elected to cut the veteran. He's now free to sign with any team, and could find himself on a roster before too long, considering his wealth of NFL experience.

Smith sat out Carolina's opening exhibition tilt, but featured sparingly both of the team's past two outings. Although he wasn't targeted in Thursday night's game against the Patriots, he drew three looks against the Bills the week prior. Now, the veteran couldn't haul in any of those looks, but he's at least seen some action ahead of the regular season, when he should serve as either the Panthers' fourth or fifth receiver, depending on how pegging between he and Chris Hogan shakes out behind D.J. Moore, Curtis Samuel and Jarius Wright.

Reports out of Carolina seemed to suggest the team was simply playing it safe with the health of its veteran wide receiver. Smith, who put together career-worst figures across the board last season, will be competing for a depth role along with Chris Hogan, Jarius Wright, Aldrick Robinson and Rashad Ross, while D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel command the bulk of the targets.