Panthers news: Luke Kuechly officially goes on reserve/retired list

The Carolina Panthers news regarding Luke Kuechly’s retirement was made official.

Some of the more shocking Carolina Panthers news of the offseason was the retirement of Luke Kuechly. The legendary linebacker decided to call it a day after eight glittering seasons that saw the player emerge as one of the all-time greats.

While this was disappointing Panthers news, it was probably the right call. Kuechly suffered a series of concussions throughout his career. And there is no telling what another campaign of constant blows would have done to his long-term health.

According to Ian Rappaport of NFL Network, Kuechly officially went on the reserve/retired list on Wednesday. While this move was inevitable. It does free up some cap space for the Panthers that is sorely needed following the free-agent signing of cornerback Eli Apple.

According to Jason Fitzgerald from Over the Cap, the Panthers’ putting Kuechly on the list gives them some more cap space that they can now use to pick some additional free agents and sign their remaining NFL draft picks.

Fitzgerald had this to say on the move.

"“Luke Kuechly announced his retirement back in January and has been charged at $15.51 million against the Panthers cap. His dead money would have been $11.84 million had his retirement immediately been processed but instead he will count for $4.71 million in 2020 and $7.13 million in 2021. The $10.8 million in savings will give the cap strapped Panthers the room they need this year moving them from around to $3.3 million in cap room to $13.5 million in cap room in 2020.”"

Kuechly’s impact on the Panthers cannot be understated. Much was expected when he arrived with the organization as a first-round pick out of Boston College. And it’s safe to say he more than exceeded expectations.

Panthers news: What next for Carolina after Luke Kuechly retirement?

It is going to take a considerable amount of time for the Carolina Panthers to find someone like Luke Kuechly. He transformed the fortunes of their defense and his production for the franchise will live through the ages.

Kuechly is a sure-fire candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is considered one of the greatest inside linebackers to ever play. He was an inspiration on and off the field. And losing someone with such influence is going to be a blow that will be felt for years to come.

What comes next for the Panthers will be pivotal. The team has placed their short-term hopes at the position on Tahir Whitehead, who has the potential to fill the gap in 2020.

Although it would be too much to expect anything like Kuechly’s contribution from Whitehead. If he can continue to be a solid tackler at the second level. Then that is all the Panthers will be looking for at this precise moment.

Kuechly’s status with the franchise will be ever-lasting. The salary cap relief comes at a welcome time. But what new head coach Matt Rhule would do to have the iconic figure suit up for one more season.