The Carolina Panthers had a disappointing season last year, but the team has a core of young talent and is looking towards the future, which is one reason why the team released veteran cornerback Chris Gamble on Friday.
According to ESPN.com, the team released Gamble ahead of the free agent period to get under the salary cap, as they were set to be over due to his$10.9 million cap number. He was one of the top corners on the team, but his release frees up nearly $8 million in cap space.
"I appreciate the contributions of Chris during my first two years as head coach and to the organization for many years," said Panthers coach Ron Rivera. "He always handled things the right way, and we wish him the best."
Gamble has been one of the most consistent players with the Panthers since coming out of Ohio State, but he missed most of last season with a shoulder injury and the team is planning on trying to get younger a cornerback.
Gamble has played in 123 regular-season games in his career and he has made 117 starts, which is a franchise record. He is also the leader with 27 picks and he has scored two touchdowns. The 30-year-old could find a starting position out in San Diego, where both Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason are free agents, or he could move up north to a team like the Patriots or the New York Giants.
Although Gamble was set to make a decent contract, his release leaves the Panthers vulnerable as he was their best cornerback. The team has Josh Morgan and Josh Thomas, while Captain Munnerlyn is set to be a free agent, meaning they will need to sign or draft someone this offseason to take over.
The Panthers are now $3.7 million under the cap and could go after two cornerbacks who are free agents from San Diego in Quentin Jammer or Antoine Cason. The two players have been consistent starters in San Diego and could provide the team the leadership it needs in the secondary.
The team started off badly last season, losing six of the first seven games, but came on later in the year, winning its final four, including a 44-38 win to finish the season against the Saints. Cam Newton threw for nearly 4,000 yards last season and could greatly benefit from a defense that can stop receivers from plays down the field.