Oct 29, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers free safety Kurt Coleman (20) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Veteran safety Kurt Coleman was released by the Carolina Panthers on Monday.
Coleman, 29, recorded 76 solo tackles and three passes defensed during 12 games last season in his third campaign for the Panthers. According to Pro Football Focus, he was ranked as the 76th-best safety in the NFL.
By releasing him, the Panthers can save $5.25 million on their salary cap heading into free agency, which begins March 14.
Coleman initially joined the Panthers on a two-year contract in March 2015. After recording 90 tackles and seven interceptions in 2015, Coleman inked a three-year extension in 2016 and helped the Panthers advance to the Super Bowl.
In 2016, Coleman recorded 95 tackles and four interceptions in 15 games but last season he missed four games with a sprained MCL in his left knee. After returning Oct. 29, Coleman made 35 tackles in his final eight games and one tackle in Carolina’s 31-26 loss at New Orleans in the wildcard game.
Since entering the league as a seventh-round pick in 2010 by the Philadelphia Eagles, Coleman has recorded 346 tackles and 21 interceptions in 116 regular-season games for Philadelphia, Kansas City and Carolina.
