Panthers have released veteran defensive end, Charles Johnson, following a two sack season where he spent the majority of that time on designated to return IR with a hamstring injury. Johnson finishes ranked second in franchise history with 63.5 sacks and 17 forced fumbles.
After back to back 11 sack seasons in 2012-13, Johnson's age seemed to start catching up to him. Over the last two seasons, he totaled only 9.5 sacks. At29, Johnson isn't old, but the money is just too much for the production. The Panthers will clear $11 million cap space with this move. With the emergence of a young Kony Ealyand the Panthers possibly targeting a defensive end in the draft anyway, this was an easy decision.