The Panthers have made the news official that Graham Gano’s wife broke on Instagram earlier today. The team has released the 11-year veteran from his contract, freeing up $2.8 million in cap space and paving the way for Joey Slye to become their full-time kicker.
Cutting Gano also comes with another dead money penalty, bringing the team’s total to $42 million for the year.
The Panthers also announced that they released defensive end Chris Smith, who signed with the team in March. Smith has been in the league since the Jaguars picked him in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL draft. He’s played in 60 games, totaling 8.5 sacks and 19 quarterback hits.
Smith’s release should open up more opportunities for younger edge defenders on the roster like Marquis Haynes and Christian Miller.
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