Guess who just found a new football home? After a stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, wide receiver Ainias Smith is now taking his talents to the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad! This move has everyone buzzing about potential roster shakes. Will he make the leap to the main roster soon?
Former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Ainias Smith has swiftly found a new landing spot, inking a deal with the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad. This significant NFL transaction comes shortly after the Eagles made decisive roster cuts, highlighting the dynamic nature of professional football careers and opening a new chapter for the talented young receiver.
Ahead of Tuesday’s crucial deadline to finalize initial 53-man rosters, the Philadelphia Eagles made several strategic decisions regarding their wide receiver corps. Among those players who saw their time with the Eagles come to an end was Ainias Smith, a move that surprised some given his potential and previous contributions to the team.
However, it didn’t take long for Smith to secure his next opportunity. Reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed that Smith is officially signing with the Carolina Panthers to join their practice squad. This news was announced alongside another notable acquisition, former Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker, signaling the Panthers’ active approach to bolstering their depth.
Smith, originally a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was considered a strong contender for either the Eagles’ 53-man roster or at least a spot on their practice squad. During his tenure, he participated in seven games, recording seven catches for 41 yards and one touchdown, demonstrating flashes of the skill that made him a promising prospect.
The Eagles’ initial 53-man roster for the upcoming season features a formidable group of receivers: AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, John Metchie III, Jahan Dotson, and undrafted rookie Darius Cooper. Cooper’s inclusion was particularly noteworthy, as he emerged as a training camp standout, captivating the Eagles’ fanbase with his impressive performance.
Despite being released, Ainias Smith undeniably possesses considerable talent and a high ceiling. His collegiate career at Texas A&M was marked by impressive statistics, accumulating 2,407 receiving yards. His most productive season came in 2023, where he posted 53 receptions for 795 yards and two touchdowns. At just 24 years old, Smith brings valuable upside and versatility to his new team.
Smith now joins a Carolina Panthers receiver room that is in a period of transition, having recently traded veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen to the Minnesota Vikings. This move has created an opening for younger talent to emerge, and Smith’s arrival on the practice squad positions him well for potential advancement.
The Panthers’ initial 53-man roster currently includes seven wide receivers: Dalevon Campbell, Jalen Coker, Jimmy Horn Jr., Xavier Legette, Tetairoa McMillan, David Moore, and Brycen Tremayne. Smith’s addition to the practice squad provides the team with further depth and a promising player who could be called upon.
With his proven collegiate success and NFL experience, Ainias Smith will have a significant opportunity to showcase his abilities within the Carolina Panthers organization. His journey from the Philadelphia Eagles to a new home in Carolina underscores the competitive nature of the NFL and the continuous search for talent across all rosters.
