Captain

Munnerlyn

Munnerlyn has strong ties with Sean McDermott, so it’s a bad sign he couldn’t make the team. There’s not going to be much of a market for Munnerlyn after he struggled for interest this offseason. Munnerlyn will likely have to wait until after Week 1 to get another look, when veteran salaries aren’t guaranteed.

A serviceable vet at this stage of his career, Munnerlyn’s presence plugs a glaring hole in Buffalo’s secondary left behind by CB E.J. Gaines’ (groin) IR stint. He was viable depth for the Panthers in his age 31 season in ’18 and should catch on quickly in rejoining Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane in Buffalo. Bills also signed DT Roderick Young and OL Demetrius Rhaney.

Munnerlyn has not been great since returning to Carolina in 2017, but he was at least serviceable last season and scheduled to make just under $3 million in 2019. This move saves the Panthers only $2 million against the cap. That said, Munnerlyn’s release is not that surprising given the Panthers’ veteran departures already this offseason -- Julius Peppers retired while both Thomas Davis and Mike Adams have been told they will not be re-signed. 31 in April, Munnerlyn should find a new home in the near future.

Unhappy with his role, Munnerlyn walked out of Wednesday’s practice. Now he has no Sunday role. Colin Jones will likely man the slot for the Panthers. Also inactive for the Panthers are QB Garrett Gilbert, FB Alex Armah, LB Shaq Thompson, RG Trai Turner, DE Zach Moore and C Tyler Larsen.

Unideal news for a team still roughly $9 million over the projected cap of $120.6 million. Munnerlyn made 57 tackles and two interceptions in 14 games, all starts, last season before landing on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. A seventh-round pick in 2009, he had made just nine career starts coming into 2011.

As a first-year starter opposite Chris Gamble, Munnerlyn recorded 58 tackles, five passes defensed, and two sacks in 14 games. Munnerlyn will be back in 2012, though the Panthers may decide that his ideal position is nickel corner.

The fine stems from a sideline scuffle that occurred in the second quarter of Week 8. Harvin received a 15-yard penalty for grabbing Munnerlyn’s facemask. Munnerlyn was not penalized and has yet to receive a fine for the incident.

He’s already been ruled out for the rest of the game. With SS Charles Godfrey (shoulder) already out, the Panthers are down two starters in the secondary.

Munnerlyn is a strong slot corner, but was stretched covering the outside last season. The Panthers reportedly hope second-year CB Brandon Hogan can step into the lineup opposite LCB Chris Gamble. Rookie Josh Norman is another option, and Darius Butler could be in the mix after making six starts last year.

Munnerlyn gave up more completions than any starting corner last season. He rotated with Norman in Week 1 and then exclusively played the nickel in Week 2. The demotion is bad timing for Munnerlyn, who is in the final year of his rookie contract. “It’s hard to say I’m good with it. But it’s a part of football,” he said.