In a week with a few roster moves already, the Panthers finalized some late tinkering as they waived RB Armond Smith, who was claimed off waivers earlier this year, and agreed to terms with linebacker David Nixon.

Smith was initially claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Browns, and was utterly expendable with a backfield brimming with Double Trouble, Tauren Poole, Josh Vaughan, and Lyndon Rowells. With that group there's no way Armond Smith was ever going to make the roster, and this is a kind move that will let him try to find another team in need.

His replacement, David Nixon is a forth year journeyman who has played special teams over the last three seasons. Spendng time with Oakland, Houston, and St. Louis he arrives in Carolina boasting 16 career tackles in 15 games. He'll get a shot on special teams, and as linebacker depth-- but in reality this is one of those lateral moves that ensures you have a more balanced squad in Spartanburg, and the chances Nixon makes the roster are slim.

Before anyone asks: No, just because we cut a running back doesn't foreshadow a Jonathan Stewart extension, though it would be nice.