In an effort to create additional cap space Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman released both Mike Tolbert and Paul Soliai. Both players had one-year remaining on their current contracts.
Tolbert, a member of the Panthers for the past five seasons, was a three-time Pro Bowl fullback and first-team All-Pro selection in 2015. However, last season his production dipped dramatically when he averaged just 7.1 rushing yards per game and scored only one receiving touchdown.
The veteran fullback was signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2008 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. After spending four years on the west coast Tolbert signed with the Panthers as a free agent prior to the 2012 season.