Carolina Panthers release defensive end Charles Johnson
Thursday 3 March 2016 15:51, UK
Charles Johnson has been released by NFC champions Carolina Panthers after nine seasons with the franchise.
The defensive end, a mainstay of the Panthers defence, is the club's all-time leader in sacks.
Johnson was scheduled to earn $10.75m in 2016, and general manager David Gettelman responded with "we're still evaluating the process," when asked about the possibility of a lower, restructured deal for the player last week.
Cornerback Josh Norman was franchise-tagged on Tuesday, meaning his salary will increase from $1.52m in 2015 to $13.952m in 2016. This resulted in the club having to clear some cap space which they have elected to do by clearing Johnson's hit.
A hamstring injury hampered Johnson's 2015 season, where he played in just nine games with one sack.
However, he returned to close to his best in the play-offs, recording three sacks as the Panthers reached the Super Bowl for the second time. He ends his Carolina career having recorded 45 total sacks.
