Report: Panthers signing undrafted free-agent pass rusher

TL;DR

The Carolina Panthers are signing undrafted free-agent pass rusher Isaiah Smith from SMU on a three-year, $3.1 million contract after he passed his physical. Smith recorded 23 sacks and 121 tackles during his college career.

Key points

Carolina Panthers signing Isaiah Smith as undrafted free agent
Smith signed a three-year contract worth $3.1 million
He recorded 121 tackles and 23 sacks in college

Mentioned in this story

Southern Methodist University

Carolina PanthersIsaiah Smith

As rookie minicamp begins, the Carolina Panthers' 2026 class of undrafted free-agent signees seems to be officially taking shape.

According to Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated, the team is set to ink Southern Methodist University pass rusher Isaiah Smith after a passed physical on Thursday. Smith, per Melo, will join on a three-year contract worth $3.1 million.

Smith, a Washington, D.C. native, spent each of his four collegiate campaigns at SMU. Over 53 games, he amassed 121 combined tackles, 23.0 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

The 6-foot-2, 213-pound led the ACC with 18.0 tackles for a loss this past season. Despite his solid 2025 production, which also featured 8.5 sacks, Smith was not selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Carolina has also reportedly come to agreements with the following undrafted prospects:

QB Haynes King (Georgia Tech)
WR Malick Meiga (Coastal Carolina)
WR Kobe Prentice (Baylor)
OL Albert Reese IV (Mississippi State)
DL Austin Hall (Duke)
CB Jaylon Guilbreau (Texas)
CB Cam Miller (Rutgers)
CB DeVonta Smith (Notre Dame)

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Q&A

What are the details of Isaiah Smith's contract with the Panthers?

Isaiah Smith signed a three-year contract worth $3.1 million with the Carolina Panthers.

Why was Isaiah Smith not drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft despite his college performance?

Despite leading the ACC with 18 tackles for loss and recording 8.5 sacks in the 2025 season, Isaiah Smith went undrafted due to various factors that may include team needs and draft strategy.

What were Isaiah Smith's college statistics at SMU?

During his four years at SMU, Isaiah Smith recorded 121 combined tackles, 23 sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.