The Carolina Panthers have exercised the $5 million option to keep veteran wide receiver Torrey Smith for the 2019 season, according to Pro Football Talk.
Per source Panthers exercise option on WR Torrey Smith. He returns for 2019.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 8, 2019
Smith was acquired by the Panthers last season when they traded cornerback Daryl Worley to the Eagles. Smith missed five games with a knee injury last season and saw limited action in the 11 games he appeared in. He caught 17 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns in 2018.
While Smith is widely considered an all-around good dude and is still a serviceable wide receiver at 30 years old, this is a questionable decision by the Panthers. They have emphasized getting younger during this offseason and have made moves that support that direction, such as the release of veterans Mike Adams and Captain Munnerlyn. The Panthers also have plenty of younger, cheaper options at wide receiver on the roster, making Smith’s services less of a need than the $5 million in cap space that could be created—and used to fill other holes on the roster—by releasing him.
What do you think of this move, Panthers fans? Did they make the right call? Share your thoughts with us!