CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers on Tuesday released three-time Pro Bowl fullback Mike Tolbert, clearing $1,725,000 in salary cap space.
The team also announced it has released 2011 Pro Bowl defensive tackle Paul Soliai, which will save an additional $2,218,750 in salary-cap space.
Tolbert, 31, last offseason signed a two-year, $3.3 million deal with $700,000 guaranteed. Statistically he had one of his worst seasons, rushing 35 times for 114 yards and no touchdowns and catching 10 passes for 72 yards and one touchdown.
Tolbert came to Carolina from San Diego in 2012. He made the Pro Bowl in 2013, 2015 and 2016.
"I feel very fortunate to have coached Mike for nearly his entire career," said coach Ron Rivera, who also was with Tolbert in San Diego from 2008 to 2010. "He was someone we targeted in 2012 because we felt he would be a good addition to our offense and he was very productive for us. He brought great energy and leadership to our locker room and I wish him the best."
Mike Tolbert was selected for the Pro Bowl three times with the Panthers after joining the team in 2012. Chuck Burton/AP
Soliai, 33, signed a two-year, $7 million deal last offseason. He played in 10 games and started one this past season. He had eight tackles and no sacks.
He was added last year for depth behind 2015 Pro Bowl selection Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei. The Panthers are trying to sign both to long-term deals but have indicated they will use the franchise tag on Short if no agreement is reached before March 1.
The release of Tolbert and Soliai gives Carolina more than $50 million in salary-cap space heading into free agency.
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We are moving to a west coast system, and will require an effective fb.
The team also announced it has released 2011 Pro Bowl defensive tackle Paul Soliai, which will save an additional $2,218,750 in salary-cap space.
Tolbert, 31, last offseason signed a two-year, $3.3 million deal with $700,000 guaranteed. Statistically he had one of his worst seasons, rushing 35 times for 114 yards and no touchdowns and catching 10 passes for 72 yards and one touchdown.
Tolbert came to Carolina from San Diego in 2012. He made the Pro Bowl in 2013, 2015 and 2016.
"I feel very fortunate to have coached Mike for nearly his entire career," said coach Ron Rivera, who also was with Tolbert in San Diego from 2008 to 2010. "He was someone we targeted in 2012 because we felt he would be a good addition to our offense and he was very productive for us. He brought great energy and leadership to our locker room and I wish him the best."
Mike Tolbert was selected for the Pro Bowl three times with the Panthers after joining the team in 2012. Chuck Burton/AP
Soliai, 33, signed a two-year, $7 million deal last offseason. He played in 10 games and started one this past season. He had eight tackles and no sacks.
He was added last year for depth behind 2015 Pro Bowl selection Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei. The Panthers are trying to sign both to long-term deals but have indicated they will use the franchise tag on Short if no agreement is reached before March 1.
The release of Tolbert and Soliai gives Carolina more than $50 million in salary-cap space heading into free agency.
Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
We are moving to a west coast system, and will require an effective fb.
