CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Carolina Panthers have released 16 players to trim their roster to 74, one less than the NFL-mandated 75 players.
Here’s a closer look at the first cuts:
Most significant move: The release of veteran punter Mike Scifres. The Panthers thought he could replace Brad Nortman, but the former San Diego kicker injured his kicking (right) knee on his only attempt of the preseason on Friday against New England. Carolina covered its bases, though, trading with Cleveland on Monday for three-time Pro Bowler Andy Lee. This actually is an upgrade from Scifres, but Carolina did have to take on a larger salary cap hit and trade a 2018 fourth-round pick to get Lee.