It’s apparent the early moves by the Panthers this off-season will be designed to free up salary cap space. The moves announced on Monday where the Panthers cut LB Dan Morgan and G Mike Wahle did just that, freeing up just under $7M that can be used to sign rookies this summer.

Here’s an article that pinpoints how much money can be saved with certain other cuts or salary restructuring that could free up more money.

The Panthers reportedly will save $2.8 million by cutting Carr, who otherwise would count $4.35 million against the cap next season.

Panther Nations favorite whipping boy can’t get a break (and deservedly so). Regarding high-priced stud DE Julius Peppers, the Panthers could restructure his deal and save big bucks next season, but there is a catch.

Peppers is a bit of a conundrum because he is in the final year of a contract that will count $14 million against Carolina's $116 million salary cap. The Panthers can let him play out the deal and show that he can bounce back from his poor 2007 season, which ended with him on injured reserve because of a sprained knee. Or they can try to re-sign him now, which would lower his cap number in 2008 but require a long-term investment with about $30 million in bonuses.

I don't see a 'conundrum' at all. Regardless of his down year I think the Panthers need to wrap him up long term. It’s a no-brainer in my book if they want to acquire any free agents that could make a positive impact in 2008. I emphasize 'positive' because the David Carr signing had an impact, just not the one we were hoping for.

I would be curious to know the exact cap savings a few other potential cuts would have, such as DT Maake Kemoeatu, RB DeShaun Foster and C Justin Hartwig. I think we already have the players on the roster to replace these guys.