The Carolina Panthers released defensive end Charles Johnson Thursday, clearing $11 million in salary cap space. The veteran defensive end is the second starting pass rusher that the Panthers have lost this offseason, as defensive end Jared Allen announced his retirement this past February.
Johnson was a third round draft pick by the Panthers in the 2007 NFL Draft, and despite Carolina's success this past season, he saw a major dip in his numbers. The Panthers defensive end recorded 41 combined tackles and 8.5 sacks during the 2014 season, but he only managed 12 combined tackles and one sack in nine games during the 2015 regular season.
However, at 29 years old, Johnson is still a force in the league, as he recorded a sack in each playoff game for the Panthers and forced two fumbles, including one in Super Bowl 50. "Charles was an impact player for the Carolina Panthers for a long time, both on and off the field," general manager Dave Gettleman said. "His statistics speak for themselves, and as a team captain he led the way you want your leaders to lead - by example. I wish him the best moving forward."
Johnson was set to account for over $15 million against the salary cap in 2016 and would have been the third-highest cap among defensive ends in the NFL. He turns 30 years old this offseason and leaves Carolina with the second-highest franchise sack total with 63.5 sacks in nine seasons.
The Panthers will be looking to fill holes at both defensive end positions and reportedly met with former Jets first round pick Quinton Coples earlier this week. Carolina's front office will likely also look to target pass rushers in the early rounds of the draft, and the 2016 draft class is expected to be loaded with talented defensive linemen.
While the Panthers will look to fill holes in their 4-3 defense, Johnson becomes a free agent that should garner plenty of interest on the open market. Multiple teams in the league are looking to acquire pass rushers this offseason both through the draft and free agency, and teams like the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants come to mind as two teams that could be in the market for a talented pass rusher like Johnson.
