Charles Johnson, who ranks second in Panthers history with 63.5 career sacks, was released by the team Thursday morning.
Johnson, 29, signed a six-year, $76 million extension in 2011 and was slated to make $10.75 million this year, with a $15 million salary cap charge. The Panthers will save $11 million in cap space by releasing Johnson.
In his first season as a starter, Johnson racked up 11.5 sacks in 2010 to soften the blow of Julius Peppers’ departure. He added 40 sacks over the next four seasons, but declined considerably in 2015 with just one sack in nine games.