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Carolina Panthers: Players on roster bubble entering training camp

By Brandon Croce

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Running back Cameron Artis-Payne #34 of the Carolina Panthers is brought down by middle linebacker Kwon Alexander #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and strong safety Justin Evans #21 on a 3-yard gain for a first down during the first quarter of an NFL football game on October 29, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Running back Cameron Artis-Payne #34 of the Carolina Panthers is brought down by middle linebacker Kwon Alexander #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and strong safety Justin Evans #21 on a 3-yard gain for a first down during the first quarter of an NFL football game on October 29, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 04: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots chases Torrey Smith #82 of the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl Lll at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Eagles defeated the Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 04: Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots chases Torrey Smith #82 of the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl Lll at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Eagles defeated the Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Torrey Smith

This is one player that would surprise fans if he was cut considering the Panthers traded for him when they sent Daryl Worley to the Philadelphia Eagles. He is a veteran wide receiver that could seemingly be the starter opposite Devin Funchess.

However, the Panthers made the move before selecting wide receiver D.J. Moore in the first round. The wide receiver out of Maryland is expected to have a big role in this offense, alongside last year’s second round pick Curtis Samuel, who could really be the determining factor in Smith’s fate.

If Samuel shows in camp he can be the starting wide receiver opposite Funchess, this would move Smith out of the starting lineup. It would be hard for the Panthers front office to justify paying a backup wide receiver $5 million. If Smith was released, he would give the Panthers the biggest savings of any player on this list because there is no dead money associated with that move.

Next: Free agents that could interest the Panthers

One thing is clear that the Carolina Panthers’ coaching staff and front office will be forced to make some tough decisions over the next few weeks.

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