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Carolina Panthers: The Impact Of Charles Johnson’s Release

By Raphael Garcia

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) reacts during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) reacts during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /
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The Carolina Panthers have various options after releasing Charles Johnson.

Thursday’s release of Charles Johnson creates a number of questions and opportunities for the Carolina Panthers defense. Since being a third round pick in 2007, he’s been an important part to the steadily improving defense.

This unit anchored the success of the Panthers’ success this season and in years past. Johnson was a big part of that success, but an injury plagued 2015 allowed the team to “move on” while still having a successful year. With that in mind, here are some potential ways that Johnson’s release will impact the Panthers in 2016 and beyond.

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Kawann Short had a massive year with Johnson out as he tallied 11 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 3 recoveries in his third year of professional play which lead to a Pro Bowl nomination. Johnson’s release immediately clears up $11 million dollars in salary cap room which can be used to help build a new deal for Short. The 2016 season marks the final year in his rookie deal and the player will clearly garner a lot of attention if he continues to perform at a high level. Locking him into a long-term deal is certainly a priority among the leaders within the Panthers organization.

Sep 27, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) late in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Saints 27-22 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) late in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Saints 27-22 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Then there’s Josh Norman, who is also coming off of a fantastic year in the Panthers’ secondary. Norman used last year to prove that he is one of the best cover corners in the league and deserves to be paid as such. The Panthers used the franchise tag on his this year which comes with a guarantee of $13.952 million dollars. Just like Short, Norman’s certain to attract attention as a free agent, and the Panthers would be best served to keep him with a long-term deal before that situation occurs. The money made available by Johnson’s release could be used for this purpose.

Fans shouldn’t be too surprised if the Panthers use a draft pick on a defensive lineman. Losing both Johnson and Jared Allen, who retired earlier in the off-season, creates a hole that needs to be addressed.

There are a number of options that will be available on the big board and Carolina has seen success in the past grooming these players into integral parts of their defensive unit. There are also players available through free agency that could thrive in the Panthers’ defense. Their performance the last few seasons creates an atmosphere that is player friendly and should attract some interesting new candidates.

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It’s clear that Johnson will be missed. Since joining the league and the team in 2007, he’s brought in 63.5 total sacks, which includes three years of double-digit figures. It was unfortunate that his 2015 was hit with injury because he wasn’t the same impact player when he had the chance to return. At 29-years of age there are multiple teams that will look for his services this season. Fortunately for Carolina and their fans, there are a number of options available that will allow this team to move forward in successful fashion.

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