The Carolina Panthers are hopeful that rookie Bryce Young will be the answer for them at quarterback.
However, that doesn’t mean they don’t need some depth at the critical position.
Earlier this week, the Panthers cut Jacob Eason, which leaves them with Young, Andy Dalton, and Matt Corral on their depth chart. That leaves room for a fourth quarterback in the preseason.
Perhaps J’Mar Smith will be that quarterback.
#Panthers are working out #USFL champion @USFLStallions quarterback J'Mar Smith today, per a league source. Smith was previously with #Patriots and #CFL Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Former Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year at Louisiana Tech @LATechFB
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 25, 2023
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC, the Panthers are working him out Tuesday. Smith made headlines when he led the Birmingham Stallions to the USFL championship two years ago. The Louisiana Tech product spent time with the New England Patriots and the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats previously as well.
The 2019 C-USA offensive player of the year at Louisiana Tech, Smith put up impressive college career numbers over four years, garnering 9,523 passing yards, 51 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions in 43 games.
While the Stallions repeated as USFL champions this past season, Smith had injured his finger in Week 1 of the 2023 season and missed a chunk of time. His replacement, quarterback Alex McGough, ended up leading Birmingham to the title. Perhaps Smith is hoping he’ll have the chance to come out of nowhere and make his mark in the NFL this season.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.