Panthers cut linebacker Damien Wilson to gain cap space ahead of free agency
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The Carolina Panthers have opened up some more cap space after releasing a veteran linebacker.
On Friday, the Panthers cut linebacker Damien Wilson, the team announced. Wilson had a $1 million roster bonus due on March 17, according to Over The Cap.
Wilson’s release saves the Panthers about $3.61 million on the salary cap, according to Over The Cap. The Panthers were $9.44 million under the cap ahead of Wilson’s release, according to the salary cap website.
Wilson, 29, signed a two-year, $6.9 million contract with the Panthers last offseason. He produced 38 tackles and two sacks during his lone season with Carolina. He started five games during the first half of last season but was benched in favor of a special teams role when former interim head coach Steve Wilks took over the team.
Wilson was charged with criminal mischief after he was arrested in Collins County, Texas, last April. The case remains unresolved, as Wilson awaits a jury trial next month, according to court records.
With Wilson off the books, the Panthers have just a few players at linebacker ahead of their conversion to a 3-4 defense.
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and linebackers coach Peter Hansen will get a nearly blank slate at the position. While starting SAM linebacker Frankie Luvu will return, his role remains unclear with the scheme switch. Brandon Smith — last year’s fourth-round pick — Chandler Wooten, Arron Mosby and Kobe Jones are currently under contract at the position.
Veteran leader Shaq Thompson’s future has yet to be determined. The Panthers would save $13.16 million by releasing him this offseason. Thompson is in the final year of his contract and has a cap number of $24.46 million.
Wilson’s departure is the latest in a long line of cap-space saving moves. Right guard Austin Corbett, right tackle Taylor Moton and safety Xavier Woods are among the veterans who have had their contracts restructured to create addition cap space.
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