The Carolina Panthers have created around $5.1 million in 2018 cap space by converting a portion of linebacker Luke Kuechly’s salary into a signing bonus, according to ESPN’s Field Yates.
Source: the Panthers have converted $6.8M of LB Luke Kuechly's contract into a signing bonus, creating $5.1M in 2018 cap space. Some flexibility.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 1, 2018
This gives the Panthers some flexibility with their 2018 salary cap, and enables them to bring in a free agent or two to strengthen their offensive line if right tackle Daryl Williams needs to start the season on injured reserve.