CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman used the terms “evaluation’’ and “going through the process’’ before releasing wide receiver Steve Smith and running back DeAngelo Williams.
He used those words on Wednesday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis when talking about the future of defensive end Charles Johnson, who has one year left on his contract.
The difference is Johnson may have an option to stay one more year if he renegotiates his contract to significantly reduce his $15 million salary cap hit in 2016.
Smith and Williams didn’t have that option during the past two offseasons.