Panthers Cut A'Shawn Robinson, Save $10.5M in Charlotte Cap Crunch

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers parted ways with defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson, confirming the release that saves the team $10.5 million against the 2026 salary cap. General Manager Dan Morgan, in his role since 2024, greenlit the cut after no trade partner emerged despite granting Robinson permission to seek a deal. Robinson had signed a three-year contract in 2024 free agency, providing interior pressure alongside star Derrick Brown.

With total cap liabilities at $339.4 million and top-51 commitments of $287.5 million, the Panthers now sit at $1.9 million in cap space per OverTheCap projections. Defensive spending totals $152.9 million, underscoring the financial squeeze in Charlotte as the team eyes draft picks to bolster the line. The release signals a pivot to youth, elevating players like Bobby Brown III, Turk Wharton and rookie Cam Jackson into prominent rotations.

This cap maneuver comes amid roster rebuilds, including recent agreements with edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd during legal tampering. Charlotte's defense, anchored at Bank of America Stadium, seeks fresh legs after Robinson's tenure failed to yield a trade suitor. As the NFL draft nears, Panthers fans anticipate Morgan's strategy to allocate the newfound space amid projections of a $20 million league-wide cap increase.

Historically, the Panthers have trimmed veterans for cap relief, echoing the 2014 release of longtime linebacker James Anderson, whose five-year, $22 million extension ended amid similar financial pressures. Today's move reinforces a defensive youth movement in the Queen City.