Dave Gettleman didn't hesitate when asked what he could do with the $13.952 million in salary-cap space he got after rescinding the franchise tag on Josh Norman.

Gettleman said the flexibility he got in removing Norman's cap number and the unlikelihood that a long-term deal would be reached led to the decision.

By clearing his tag number, the Panthers now have approximately $31 million in salary-cap space. 

"I've said it before," Gettleman said during what initially was a pre-draft news conference. "I struggle with our coaches working their fannies off, developing players and letting them walk. I don't like that. I've always believed that the cap can be a great equalizer. I really believe it penalizes teams that draft well.

"You have to understand you can't keep everybody. It's impossible. So now you have to decide who you're going to allow to graduate. We've got some really good, young talent. This was a business decision. That's what this is folks, a business decision."