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Panthers squeezed by NFL's $301.2M salary cap—now forced into tough cuts

A $2.3M miscalculation leaves Carolina scrambling. Veterans like A'Shawn Robinson and Andy Dalton could be casualties as the team fights for cap relief.

The image shows a football coach talking to his team on the field. He is wearing a cap and holding...
The image shows a football coach talking to his team on the field. He is wearing a cap and holding an object in his hand, while the players are wearing helmets. In the background, there are trees, poles, lights, railings, and a goal post, as well as a clear blue sky.

Panthers squeezed by NFL's $301.2M salary cap—now forced into tough cuts

The NFL has officially set the 2026 salary cap at $301.2 million, marking a $22 million rise from last year. However, the Carolina Panthers now face tighter financial constraints after the final figure came in $2.3 million lower than earlier estimates.

The Panthers currently hold $10.2 million in available cap space—down from the anticipated $12.5 million. This places them in a challenging position as they prepare for roster adjustments.

To free up funds, the team may release veterans like A'Shawn Robinson, Andy Dalton, Tommy Tremble, and Patrick Jones, which could save around $23 million. Restructuring contracts, such as Robert Hunt's $11.8 million deal, is another option under consideration. Extensions for players like Damien Lewis might also help spread out costs and ease immediate pressure.

The organization must now balance short-term flexibility with long-term planning. Every move will impact both the upcoming season and future roster stability.

With the cap now confirmed, the Panthers have less room to manoeuvre than expected. Potential cuts and restructures will shape their financial outlook in the coming weeks. The team's decisions will determine how effectively they navigate the $301.2 million limit.

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