On the future of defensive end Charles Johnson

“We’re still going through that evaluation. It’s hard because he got hurt. He starts out; he got hurt. Then he’s working his way back, and it’s like, all right, when is he 100 percent? So we’re still going through the process.”

What it may mean

“Evaluation” and “process” are trigger words for Gettleman at this time of year, but Johnson isn’t getting the Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams treatment. The Panthers want Johnson around at least another season. They just want him to cost less. He doesn’t have much leverage, but he does have a choice.