The Carolina Panthers’ week at the NFL scouting combine actually began with a nod to free agency.
General manager Marty Hurney released defensive starters Charles Johnson and Kurt Coleman, and the exodus continued Wednesday when franchise rushing leader Jonathan Stewart was cut. The moves created $10 million in salary cap space, leaving the Panthers about $30 million under the current projected cap for 2018.
The Panthers’ plans for free agency and the draft are still taking shape, but here are nine things the Observer learned this week, in coach Ron Rivera’s media availability, an interview with general manager Marty Hurney and conversations with agents and other league sources: