The Carolina Panthers announced Tuesday that they’ve released veteran FB Mike Tolbert.
“I feel very fortunate to have coached Mike for nearly his entire career,” head coach Ron Rivera said. “He was someone we targeted in 2012 because we felt he would be a good addition to our offense and he was very productive for us. He brought great energy and leadership to our locker room and I wish him the best.”
Tolbert, 31, originally signed on with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent out of Coastal Carolina back in 2008. He spent four years in San Diego before signing on with the Panthers in 2012.
Tolbert was in the final year of his two-year, $4 million contract and set to make a base salary of $1.1 million for the 2017 season.
According to OverTheCap.com, releasing will free up $1,725,000 of available cap space while creating $350,000 in dead money.
In 2016, Tolbert appeared in all 16 games for the Panthers and rushed for 114 yards on 35 carries to go along with 10 receptions for 72 yards receiving and one touchdown. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 16 fullback out of 17 qualifying players.
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