Just about every list of potential veterans who could be released this offseason included Panthers cornerback Chris Gamble and that conventional wisdom has been rewarded.
The Panthers announced that they have released Gamble on Friday, a day before they’re free to start negotiating with free agents from other teams. Gamble was set to make $7.9 million in salary in 2013 while counting $10.95 million against the cap, numbers that couldn’t be on the books for the Panthers to reach the cap stability that new General Manager Dave Gettleman hopes to put in place.
Gamble only played four games last season before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. He’s been a good enough corner when healthy to generate some interest in free agency, although he’s not likely to land a contract anywhere close to the one he had in Carolina. He also won’t get to enjoy any time on the free agent market by himself, something the other veterans cut around the league have had in the last few weeks.
Carolina’s going to have to use some of the money they’ve recouped to find help on the corners with Gamble gone. They needed help when Gamble was healthy, too, so things have only gotten more acute on the corner for the Panthers.