I just watched the replay of the Big Cat's press conference (available here for those who missed it like I did).  As he discussed a wide range of topics, the money topic overall and the releasing of the veteran players were the ones I found most interesting.  To hear an NFL owner discuss specifics in players who need to play and making roster moves to accomplish his own goal was very revealing to say the least, and it raised a question.  This is where I need some help with some research.

What I'm wondering is how are the Panthers positioned for the salary cap moving forward?  I know the cap is based on a lot of variables, and what counts against the cap is also pretty complex.  My gut tells me that one of the added benefits of releasing all of the veterans the way that the team did essentially cleared all of the "dead money" from the cap number for 2011, but I'm not sure.  If this is the case, it leaves the Panthers in a prime position to get the most out of the money they have to spend, as it can all go directly to player salaries and signing bonuses.

I know the Reader has some fabulous researcher as well as some extremely knowledgeable people about the NFL overall.  Does anyone have a definitive answer about this?