Panthers: Running back Jonathan Stewart released as cuts continue

The Carolina Panthers have released another veteran in as they attempt to get younger,

Another day, another release for the Carolina Panthers.   In what has become a trend, another veteran will be looking for work. Running back Jonathan Stewart has been cut by the team per multiple media reports.

Stewart had a lengthy and relatively successful career with the Panthers. Drafted by the team in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft (No. 13 overall,) Stewart’s best season statistically came in 2009. That year, he carried the rock 221 times for 1,133 yards and 10 touchdowns. For Stewart, that marked his second year in a row with 10 touchdowns, with the first being his rookie year.

Stewart experienced several ups and downs throughout the course of his career as a Panther. Perhaps his highest point came in 2015, when he was selected to this first Pro Bowl. Rushing the ball 242 times for 989 yards and six touchdowns, Stewart had a tremendous year.

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For his career, Stewart has rushed the ball 1,699 times for 7,318 yards and 51 touchdowns.

This is another situation where the Carolina Panthers wanted to get younger and look towards the future. In Stewart’s case the future was one of the reasons why he did not get as many carries as in past years. Christian McCaffrey emerged onto the scene as a playmaker, and it appears he is going to be a major building block as the Panthers prepare for the future.

Stewart is young enough where he can find work with another team. However, although he is young, he has an injury history. Torn Achilles, concussions, strains, and sprains have hampered him throughout the course of his career. His most recent injury was a lower back sprain, causing him to miss Week 17 against the Falcons.

Stewart probably does not have the skillset to be a starter anymore. He can still be a serviceable No. 2 back somewhere, and teams in need of depth at the position should certainly take a look.

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The Carolina Panthers are not messing around and have made it clear they want to go younger as a team. It will be interesting to see if they make any other moves.