The Carolina Panthers should consider releasing a defensive player to save $4.8 million.
The Carolina Panthers can save $4.8 million by releasing a defensive player who joined the team last offseason.
According to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, the Panthers would save $4.8 million by cutting Patrick Jones II.
"Linebacker Patrick Jones was a marquee free-agent signing for the Carolina Panthers last offseason," Knox wrote. "The former Minnesota Vikings standout was coming off a 39-tackle, seven-sack season and signed a two-year, $15 million deal to join the Panthers. While the 27-year-old started all four games in which he appeared last season, he underwent season-ending back surgery in October.
"While Carolina would undoubtedly love to see Jones healthy and playing up to his potential in 2026, it may be forced to move on. The Panthers added several new pieces to their defense in early free agency, including linebacker Devin Lloyd and edge-rusher Jaelan Phillips.
"The Panthers now have just $5.1 million in effective cap space, and they could save $4.8 million by releasing Jones. He'll be a player to watch as Carolina navigates the raft and continues reloading its defense."
The Panthers added Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips this offseason in free agency, making Jones II expendable. Jones II played in only four games last season. He had one sack, six solo tackles, two tackles for loss and two QB hits.
Jones II has been in the NFL since 2021. He has played for the Minnesota Vikings and Panthers. The 27-year-old has 13 sacks, 67 solo tackles, 24 tackles for loss and 27 QB hits in his career.
It will be fascinating to see if the Panthers keep or part ways with Jones II.
Carolina lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round of the 2026 playoffs. The franchise has a bright future for the first time in the post-Cam Newton era.
QB Bryce Young finished the 2025 season with 3,011 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 216 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He led the Panthers to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 campaign.
Panthers Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Panthers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.