While many Carolina Panthers fans process the release of defensive end Charles Johnson, Thursday is one of those reality check days.
Ultimately, this game is a business.
The Panthers wanted Johnson on the roster in 2016, but at a lower cost. And as is his right, he didn’t want to take a pay cut.
So here we are.
If Johnson played under the terms of what was his current contract, he would have counted $15 million against the cap in 2016. Cutting him saves the Panthers $11 million. Combine defensive end Jared Allen’s retirement, and the $8.5 million that added to the cap, and you could see nearly $20 million freed up for a marquee free agent defensive end replacement.
General manager Dave Gettleman doesn’t see it that way.
BIG NAMES, BIG COSTS
Mario Williams, Chris Long, Jason Pierre-Paul?
Many will likely start placing well-known free agents in Carolina because they seem like obvious fits. But inside the building, they like much of what they already have.
Kony Ealy started coming into his own last year, and that was before he showed out in front of the world in the Super Bowl. Mario Addison combined for 12.5 sacks his past two seasons, three more than Johnson totaled. Ryan Delaire flashed a couple of times as a rookie, and at last week’s NFL combine, Gettleman and defensive line coach Eric Washington talked highly of Rakim Cox and Arthur Miley.
And while much of the plan depends on the young guys, Gettleman will still sniff around for a bargain.
Former first-round pick Quinton Coples left his visit Tuesday without signing a contract, but that doesn’t mean he won’t. Plus, the upcoming draft is loaded with pass-rushing talent.
KEEPING THE CORE
"We have not spent big money on a free agent; you guys know that. It's about your own, your core."
That was Gettleman just eight days ago at the combine.
Screenshot that. Print it out and highlight it. Send it to anyone who asks, “Is there a chance the Panthers will sign (fill in the name of a big-name free agent)?"
Know what else he said?
So, yes, Gettleman has more cap space than he’s had the previous three offseasons, especially with $11 million more to play with after Johnson’s release. But the big money isn’t planned for castoffs from other teams. It’s earmarked for young talent already on the roster. Guys like defensive tackles Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei, and sure, maybe even franchise tagged cornerback Josh Norman.
Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly, Greg Olsen — they're already locked in, but there's always more on the way. That base is what the Panthers believe in most. That's how, in a league with a salary cap, they're trying to build something with sustained success.
"You guys have seen my act for three years. I’m methodical. I’m intentional," said Gettleman last week. "And that’s the approach I’m going to take whether we’re $16 million over or we’re $25 (million) under.
"I think it’s kind of working."