Ainias Smith: Everything you need to know

Smith signed a reserve/future contract with the Panthers on Monday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports. Smith appeared in seven regular-season games for the Eagles as a rookie, but the 2024 fifth-round draft pick was waived prior to the 2025 season and subsequently signed with Carolina's practice squad, where he spent the entire 2025 campaign. He will likely get a chance to compete for a roster spot with the Panthers in training camp in 2026.

The Panthers signed Smith to the practice squad, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports. Smith suited up for nine regular-season games with Philadelphia last year, after the team selected him in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He secured seven of nine targets for 41 yards and one score in that span, but after being waived by the Eagles on Tuesday, he'll now need to establish himself in a depth role for a new organization.

The Eagles waived Smith on Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Smith was a fifth-round pick out of Texas A&M last year and appeared in seven regular-season games as a rookie, catching seven of his nine targets for 41 yards and one touchdown. He produced a 6-40-2 receiving line on 86 offensive snaps this preseason. The Eagles will likely try to sneak Smith through waivers and onto the practice squad.