5 roster moves that could instantly save the Panthers $26 million

Cut Juston Burris

• Cap saving – $3.9 million

Juston Burris is another player who might be nervously looking over his shoulder this offseason. The safety penned a two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers during the 2020 free agency period and although he’s shown flashes of capability, there could be better options available at a fraction of the cost.

There was plenty of hope that Burris might be able to forge a successful partnership with Tre Boston on the backend in Carolina. But the tandem was inconsistent for the most part and both veterans have plenty of work to do moving forward to cement their place on the roster.

Boston’s contract dictates he’ll be around in 2021.

The same cannot be said for Burris.

If the Panthers choose to cut Burris loose after just one season, it would save them $3.9 million at a time where every available cent will be crucial to their progression. Had the former North Carolina State performed a little better, things might have been different. But it’s hard to look at his overall production and not come to the conclusion that releasing him is worth considering.

This would allow Phil Snow to get his wish and move stud rookie Jeremy Chinn back into the secondary, although such a decision needs to come with additional quality within their linebacker corps.