CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Carolina Panthers released Ryan Santoso on Tuesday, less than a week after coach Matt Rhule said the opener wasn't a one-game tryout for the kicker.
In doing so, Carolina avoided having to send a 2022 seventh-round pick to the New York Giants.
The trade for Santoso before the preseason finale had a stipulation that the 6-foot-5, 258-pound 26-year-old would have to be on the active roster the first two games. His release came two days after he missed an extra point in the 19-14 victory over the New York Jets.