Charles Johnson has been released by NFC champions Carolina Panthers after nine seasons with the franchise.
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Johnson, 29, was set to enter the final year of a six-season, $76 million contract. Johnson’s sack total was his lowest since his rookie season, when he had zero. However, he battled an injury and played in just nine games in 2015, recording just one sack.
The Panthers hedged last week when asked about veteran defensive end Charles Johnson taking a pay cut, and now we know why.
“Charles was an impact player for the Carolina Panthers for a long time, both on and off the field”, general manager Dave Gettleman said in a statement Thursday.
If the Panthers do end up getting Jackson in free-agency, him paired with 2015 breakout defensive end Kony Ealy would give the Panthers would of the best defensive end combinations in the NFL. “He took to Twitter on Thursday after the move was announced, tweeting, “(at)Panthers Love, Respect, and Hard Work (hash)PantherPride”. Allen announced his retirement earlier this offseason. The Panthers recently visited with former Jets and Dolphins defensive end Quinton Coples, but no agreement has been reached.
It’s a spot they’re going to have to address in free agency or high in the draft. Edwards joined the Panthers prior to the 2012 season after playing his first seven seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.
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