5 more cap-saving cuts the Carolina Panthers could make soon
By Dean Jones
What additional moves could the Carolina Panthers make in the not-too-distant future to get their 2021 salary-cap number down ahead of free agency?
Releasing veteran defensive tackle Kawann Short was one of the more predictable moves the Carolina Panthers will make this offseason. The two-time Pro Bowler enjoyed a standout career with the organization, but his lack of dependability from a health perspective meant the $9.82 million salary-cap saving was too good to ignore in the current climate.
Make no mistake, this is just the start.
The Panthers have more moves to make in the coming weeks to free-up enough money to re-sign some current roster members, bring in some additional reinforcements in free agency, and tie-down their 2021 NFL Draft class to the deals required as part of the collective bargaining agreement.
Carolina has their work cut out for them, of that there is little doubt. They are projected to have a little more than $20 million in spare cap currently, which could get up to around $45 million with the necessary sacrifices to the roster.
It’s a precarious situation. But the signs regarding the money available in 2022 are incredibly promising and the Panthers could have around $134.55 million available to spend if things improve from a revenue perspective across the league if COVID-19 complications subside.
For now, let’s take a look at five cap-saving decisions Carolina could make in the near future ahead of what is sure to be another busy free agency period.
*All salary projections and savings according to Over the Cap.
Cap-saving cut No. 1
Matt Paradis – Carolina Panthers C
- Cap saving – $4.93 million
Matt Paradis did show some signs of life in 2020 after becoming exposed during his first year in Carolina. The center was far from terrible, although there were some concerning moments down the stretch. But nearly $5 million would be saved if the Panthers decided to part ways with the player with one-year remaining on his deal.
Another enticing element to cutting ties with Paradis is the incoming batch of college recruits. This is a deep class for interior linemen and centers in particular. So providing they can find the right player who can contribute right away, it should all-but confirm the former Boise State standout’s release.
Paradis can have no real complaints. The free-agent signing from the Denver Broncos just hasn’t been up to the required standard and this will be part of some big changes coming to Carolina’s protection before competitive action rolls around in 2021.