The Carolina Panthers made a strong move in releasing Charles Johnson and Kurt Coleman, which has long term ramifications across the team.
In recent years, the Carolina Panthers’ offseason moves have been about consistency and veteran leadership. That model took a hit this week when two, high performing defensive players in Kurt Coleman and Charles Johnson were released. It’s understandable why this may cause some concerns, but it opens up important salary cap space and allows the team to get younger heading into the 2018 season.
Johnson and Coleman were two of the leaders on this strong Panthers defense. Johnson put together impactful seasons as a member of the Panthers defensive line, while Coleman performed well as the team’s safety.
From 2010 to 2014, Johnson was a force as he got to opposing teams’ quarterbacks a combined 52.5 times during that five season stretch. Coleman had an equally impressive run from 2014 to 2016 where he snatched away a combined 14 interceptions during those three years. But it was their lack of productivity in recent years that made them expendable this off season.
Johnson had a combined five sacks in the last three years while Coleman didn’t have any takeaways in 2017. At 31 and 29 years old, respectively, Johnson and Coleman aren’t “old” by any sense of the word, but their recent play has created the room needed for Panthers to make a move in a different direction.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
What this does do for Carolina is creates an excess of $26 million available in cap room. That money can be used in a variety of ways. For example, there are a number of players on the roster who could be enticed to return. Andrew Norwell is expected to be a hot option for the guard position heading into the free agent space. This money can help keep Norwell a Panther, where he is very valuable due to his ability to protect franchise star, Cam Newton.
Then there are offensive weapons Graham Gano, Ed Dickson and Greg Olsen. Olsen is the most valuable of the three as he and Newton have been one of the best quarterback and tight end tandems in the league. Dickson is a solid backup, especially as Olsen had injury concerns last year, so the team could look at keeping him. Gano is a viable kicker, but the Panthers could find him expendable in order to become younger in that position.
This money could also be used to bring back the likes of Tre Boston and Julius Peppers. Peppers had a standout season last year in his return to Carolina. He’s mentioned retiring at the end of the year, but Carolina has shown an interest in bringing him back for one more year. Boston had a strong season while playing with the Los Angeles Chargers after being released by the Panthers. He becomes a free agent and could find himself back in Carolina as well.
Next: NFL Free Agency: Player each team must re-sign
There will be some concern about the Panthers deciding to part ways with both Johnson and Coleman this week. This team has consistently had a strong defense; which Johnson and Coleman played a big part in. This is a move to get younger across the team and could have a positive impact on the long-term future for the organization.