The Carolina Panthers made a roster move on Monday morning with the decision by parting ways with veteran wide receiver Russell Shepard after just one season with the team.
It was a move that came swiftly prior to training camp just around the corner later this month. According to Joseph Person of The Charlotte Observer, it was a transaction that came after Shepard asked for his release after he denied a pay cut.
Russell Shepard asked for his release after refusing to take a pay cut, two league sources told the Observer. The team announced Shepard's release Monday afternoon, making him a free agent.
Shepard was set to enter the second year of his three-year, $10 million deal with the team that he signed last offseason. In his first campaign, he made just 17 catches for 202 receiving yards and a touchdown in 15 games played. His lone end zone grab came in the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
In response to the move, Shepard has taken to social media to voice his appreciation for his brief time with the organization.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Biw9sP9nqAG/?taken-by=russellshepard19
The decision to move on from Shepard likely came due to the team bringing aboard former Maryland wide receiver D.J. Moore with the 24th overall pick in the first round of this year's draft. The 27-year-old was also down the line in terms of receiving options in the passing game, which further minimize his role moving forward.
This now frees up an additional $2.1 million in salary cap space that has helped the Panthers move just above the salary cap line. Meanwhile, Shepard could quickly be picked up by another team with the starting of training camp just around the corner as he's a proven asset in the passing game that can stretch the field with his speed and ability work well in the slot.
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