For Panthers, the most obvious is Miles Sanders, who is set to count over $8 million against the cap. Sanders only touched the ball 79 times in 11 games in the 2024 season as both Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks appeared to pass him on the depth chart. Brooks is injured, but Hubbard just signed a new deal and should be the starter in 2025. Sanders is simply too expensive at $8.2 million to be a backup, and there is almost certainly no trade market for his contract. With this cut, the Panthers will see $6.7 million in cash in 2025 and $5.5 million in cash in 2026.
After joining from Minnesota in 2024, LB D.J. Wonnum didn't really have an impressive first year with the Panthers, He played just 8 games for his team, amassing 18 solo tackles, one forced fumble and four sacks. With just one more year left before he becomes a free agent, the Panthers might see him as a possible cut candidate. In case the team cuts off Wonnum before June 1, they would save $6.2 million and in case of a post-June-1 cut they would end up saving $7.1 million.
Dane Jackson moved from Buffalo to Carolina in 2024. But his first year with the Panthers surely wasn't as he would have liked it to be. Jackson played in just 9 regular season games, recording 2 passes defended and 18 solo tackles. With Panthers looking to rebuild to challenge the rest of the NFL in 2025 season, Jackson could fit their cut candidate's bill. If the Panthers choose to cut the CB, they might save $3.4 million pre-June-1.
Panthers EDGE Jadeveon Clowney's first year at Carolina wasn't much of a surprise. He played games in , making 24 solo tackles and 5.5 sacks. The team now might find the 32-year-old as a suitable cut candidate option ahead of the 2025 offseason. If they go through and cut him off before June 1, the Panthers will save $7.8 million.
