The Panthers will release Kurt Coleman despite two seasons remaining on the safety’s deal. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (on Twitter) Carolina will cut one of its safety starters.
Coleman started three seasons for the Panthers and signed an extension in 2016. He was set to comprise $5.15MM of the Panthers’ 2018 cap. This move will tag Carolina with $2.5MM in dead money while creating $2.65MM in cap space.
Coleman’s stay in Charlotte rebuilt his value after he’d been a part-time player with the 2013 Eagles and 2014 Chiefs. He started throughout the Panthers’ Super Bowl season and signed a three-year, $15.1MM extension during the summer of 2016.
Dave Gettleman signed off on Coleman’s extension that summer, and the Panthers have gone through three defensive coordinators since that move commenced. Coleman played in 12 games last season, missing time because of an MCL sprain. He will become a street free agent — on a market that also includes another Panthers safety from Super Bowl 50, Tre Boston — in advance of his age-29 season.
The Panthers may be looking to add younger talent at this position soon. Soon-to-be 37-year-old Mike Adams was Carolina’s other primary starter at this spot last season.
Could see him replacing another former Panther in Mike Mitchell in Pittsburgh
Especially since the Steelers seem to love former Buckeyes
If you’re going to mention Mike Adams age, it would probably make sense to mention Kurt Coleman’s age (thirty next season). In this case, age doesn’t seem to be a factor. It would also be interesting to know why Coleman was cut. His deal was not so rich that it makes sense to pay half the salary and get none of the player.
What’s happened to Coleman’s play? Or were their off the field issues?
I haven’t heard of any off the field or issues with coaches. His play has steadily deteriorated since his great season in ‘15. It seems injuries have played a role in that.
His production was down slightly this year, with 0 interceptions and 76 total tackles, but nothing that I would’ve been alarmed about given he missed 4 games. I think this is Hurney being Hurney, wanting his own team no matter what.