The Carolina Panthers have released Charles Johnson.
The move clears $11 million in salary cap space as Johnson was set to count just over $15 million against the 2016 cap.
Carolina now has more than $26 million in cap space.
"Charles was an impact player for the Carolina Panthers for a long time, both on and off the field," general manager Dave Gettleman said in a release. "His statistics speak for themselves, and as a team captain he led the way you want your leaders to lead -- by example.
"I wish him the best moving forward."
The Panthers could still re-sign Johnson in free agency.