Carolina Panthers: Panthers Cut Pro Bowler Mike Tolbert
The Carolina Panthers released two players in the run up to free agency.
The Carolina Panthers continue to build up some more space in their books. Today the team released defensive tackle Paul Soliai and fullback Mike Tolbert. Soliai was signed by the team last season to solidify their front line. Tolbert had been with the team since 2012 and had been a three time Pro Bowler.
Soliai had been largely a disappointment and so he was cut for that reason. The Panthers are currently still set with their defensive tackle trio of Kawann Short, Star Lotulelei, and Vernon Butler and will likely supplement that group in some other way before next season.
Tolbert was probably the more emotional loss. The big back had been a player with local appeal, but he too was likely released because he just could not hack it anymore. Tolbert was not the difference maker last year that the team needed for short yardage or other situations. He also was not the blocker he had been in the past.
More from Carolina Panthers
- Carolina Panthers: Secondary battles to watch in training camp 2020
- Carolina Panthers: 2020 training camp kicks off on Tuesday
- Carolina Panthers: Familiarity should help offense in 2020
- Carolina Panthers: Better or worse at running back in 2020?
- Carolina Panthers: Ranking the NFC South quarterback rooms
Tolbert still gained a fair amount of love while with the Panthers. He was part of the ‘four horsemen’ when that was a thing. He also was rewarded with annual trips to the NFL Pro Bowl each of the last three years. It may seem strange to talk about cutting a Pro Bowler, but it just demonstrates how fickle the fullback position is.
More from Old North Banter
- Carolina Panthers: Secondary battles to watch in training camp 2020
- Carolina Panthers: 2020 training camp kicks off on Tuesday
- NC Colleges Provide Coronavirus Results from Athletic Departments
- Court alleges Zion’s Stepfather received $400k
- UNC Football gets Commitment from Top Cornerback
The Panthers did cut Tolbert last year to renegotiate his contract down for this past season. It is possible that they could bring him back again, but the Panthers need to renovate their running game.
Tolbert was ball secure in the regular season of 2015 but did fumble in the Super Bowl. He is thirty-one and should find another team for next year. Perhaps he will pull a DeAngelo Williams and find a new gear with another franchise.