Wednesday's big off-day story surrounding the Carolina Panthers was the workout of former Giants tackle Will Beatty. But the other guy in that workout is the one sticking around.
Willie Smith on Thursday signed a one-year deal as the Panthers look to improve their tackle depth behind Michael Oher, Mike Remmers and Daryl Williams.
"It’s an opportunity for us to look at a guy who has some starts under his belt and see where he would fit on our team potentially," coach Ron Rivera said.
Smith, who played his college ball at East Carolina, hasn't been on an NFL regular-season roster since 2014. The 6-foot-6, 290-pound swing tackle's last look in the league came last summer with the Redskins before he was released during final cuts.
After signing with Washington as an undrafted rookie in 2011, Smith played 29 games in stops with the Redskins, Raiders and Chargers.
Smith, who said he's "comfortable on either side" of the line, spent most of his snaps on the left side during his Panthers practice debut.
"This is awesome, man, to be able to be out here running around competing with the guys. It's a great feeling," Smith said.
"There's always going to be a spot available to the best guys. As of right now, that's all I know. I'm competing and trying to make sure that my name is called at the end of that 53."