CHARLOTTE – The Panthers have signed offensive tackle Willie Smith to a one-year contract. To make room on the roster, Carolina waived/injured rookie fullback Devon Johnson with a back injury.
Smith has played 29 games with 11 starts in his career. The Kenly, N.C., native and former East Carolina Pirate signed with the Washington Redskins as a college free agent in 2011, starting three games at left tackle as a rookie.
In 2012, he started a career-high seven games at right tackle for the Oakland Raiders. Smith joined the Chargers in 2013 and played in 15 games for San Diego the following year.