Panthers GM Dan Morgan comments on release of top defensive starter

TL;DR

The Carolina Panthers have released defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson, a key starter for the team. General Manager Dan Morgan noted the move saved approximately $10.5 million in salary cap space but acknowledged the potential impact on the team's performance.

Both the Carolina Panthers and defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson have moved on from one another.

President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan sat behind the microphone on Tuesday morning for his pre-draft press conference. He was asked about the outlook of his team's defensive line following the release of Robinson, a starter for Carolina in both 2024 and 2025.

"A'Shawn—great dude, great leader," Morgan stated. "We'll definitely miss him around here. It's definitely just part of the business."

That bit of business saved Morgan and the Panthers approximately $10.5 million in salary cap space this offseason. But the departure may end up costing Carolina on the field, where Robinson was one of their most consistent contributors.

Robinson tied for a team-leading 5.5 sacks in 2024, his first season with the Panthers. Overall, he started in 33 of his 34 games for Carolina—amassing 145 combined tackles, 8.0 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

The soon-to-be 11th-year veteran has since joined an NFC South rival, as he signed a one-year, $10 million pact with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last month. Robinson, during his introductory presser for the Bucs on March 14, stated he was "already over" his release from the Panthers at that point.

With Robinson gone, the Panthers' defensive line now features Derrick Brown, Tershawn Wharton, Bobby Brown III, Cam Jackson, LaBryan Ray and Jared Harrison-Hunte.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers GM Dan Morgan speaks on release of DL A'Shawn Robinson

Q&A

Why did the Carolina Panthers release A'Shawn Robinson?

The Panthers released A'Shawn Robinson to save approximately $10.5 million in salary cap space.

What impact will A'Shawn Robinson's release have on the Panthers' defense?

Robinson was one of the Panthers' most consistent contributors, and his departure may negatively affect the team's defensive performance.

Who is Dan Morgan and what did he say about A'Shawn Robinson?

Dan Morgan is the President of Football Operations and General Manager for the Panthers, and he described Robinson as a great leader and noted that the team will miss him.