It’s preseason and the Panthers have made their first major roster move outside of special teams. Devon Johnson, the popular FB from Marshall has been waived/injured with a pre-existing back injury. Taking his place will be journeyman OT Willie Smith who has spent time with Washington, Oakland, and San Diego since being drafted in 2011. He was waived by the Chargers after playing 15 games there in 2014 and brought back to Washington but was cut again before the 2015 season.
The contract is a one year deal with specifics not yet available. This move appears to be likely another body on the field while the Panthers figure out their long term options at the OT position.