While the Philadelphia Eagles were able to get most of the talent back from the players they cut on Tuesday, one of them slipped through their fingers and into the laps of another NFL team.
The Athletic’s Joe Person reported on Wednesday that the Carolina Panthers claimed now-former Eagles wide receiver Ainias Smith. Carolina will be adding him to the practice squad.
The Eagles selected Smith in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but he didn’t play much, recording seven receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown in seven games. During the preseason, he played receiver and added punt return to his repertoire, catching six passes for 40 yards and two touchdowns, while also contributing two kickoff returns for 38 yards and four punt returns for 63 yards.
Eagles knew the risk of losing Smith after cutting him
There were some tough choices for Eagles general manager Howie Roseman as he had to cut some good wide receivers. Ultimately, when Philly traded for John Metchie III and saw the emergence of Darius Cooper, it made it difficult for Smith to secure a roster spot.
The Eagles were most likely thinking about bringing Smith back on the practice squad to help on special teams, but once he took the Panthers deal, that ended those dreams. Philly instead has Terrace Marshall and Elijah Cooks on the practice squad. Not a bad duo to have there.
Smith had a lot of potential, and between him and his fellow 2024 draft pick Johnny Wilson, Smith was the more consistent receiver. Wilson only caught five of his 15 passes last year, but Smith was more reliable to throw to. He just never had the opportunities in the preseason for deep plays.
It’s not the worst loss in the world for the Eagles, but Carolina is picking up a good, young receiver to develop.
