The Panthers have released starting cornerback Ken Lucas in a move to create salary cap space. The decision clears about $2.3 million and comes after Carolina was unable to trade the veteran, who just seven months ago got into a physical alteration with receiver Steve Smith. "We had some teams approach us and we talked to some teams and nothing worked out," general manager Marty Hurney said. "We just thought this was the time to do this. ... Ken's been a very good starter for us for four years."