NFL Free Agency: Carolina Panthers Release James Anderson

The new front office for the Carolina Panthers are not here for fun. They mean serious business and they are continuing to find ways to bring their salary cap down. Yesterday, they released linebacker James Anderson.

Aug 26, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Stephen Hill (84) tries to avoid Carolina Panthers linebacker James Anderson (50) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Jets 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

It seems many of the new higher ups in the organization felt many of these players have been over payed by the previous general manager, and now the new staff is trying to correct it.

To put it like Gregg Rosenthal put it…basically Anderson is a good player who simply got paid like he was a great player. No question, Anderson was valued for his talent. He simply wasn’t worth the price tag.

Two years ago he signed a five-year contract that gave him twenty-two million dollars. Yesterday, he confirmed his release via Twitter.

"“Will miss #PantherNation. Love to the fans. Best to my #PanthersTeammates. Onto a new journey. Stay tuned. #notdoneyet #KeepPounding” – @50janderson"

Last season he played in twelve games and had just seventy-three tackles, no sacks, and no interceptions. Those were the lowest numbers of his career. He has a career total of 455 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and three interceptions.

With Anderson gone that allows Jon Beason and Thomas Davis to assume the roles of outside linebacker with Luke Kuechly in the middle.