Panthers release DE Charles Johnson
— -- CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers on Thursday released veteran defensive end Charles Johnson.
The move clears $11 million in salary cap space as Johnson was set to count just over $15 million against the 2016 cap -- the third-highest cap hit among NFL defensive ends.
The Panthers on Thursday also released 34-year-old defensive tackle Dwan Edwards, clearing another $1.6 million under the cap.
By cutting both players, the Panthers now have approximately $27.6 million in cap space.
"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 release. "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."
There's still a chance the Panthers could re-sign Johnson in free agency, according to a league source.
Johnson, who will turn 30 this offseason, has a career total of 63.5 sacks, which ranks second on the team's all-time list behind Julius Peppers (81). He had only one sack during the 2015 season, in which he missed seven games with a hamstring injury.
"Charles fought through adversity with his injury last season and set a great example for our locker room as a captain," coach Ron Rivera said.
The Panthers drafted Johnson with a third-round selection in 2007.
This is the third straight year the Panthers have cut one of their all-time veteran players. They released all-time leading receiver Steve Smith after the 2013 season and all-time leading rusher DeAngelo Williams after the 2014 season.
Related Stories
ABC News Live