Report: Carolina Panthers expected to release center Bradley Bozeman

The Carolina Panthers are reportedly expected to release center Bradley Bozeman into free agency at the start of the league new year this week, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The team inked the starting center to an $18 million deal for three seasons last year, but now they’ll part ways. By releasing him before March 16, the Panthers save $1.5 million from his roster bonus.

Bozeman played his collegiate career at Alabama, and began his time in the NFL after being selected with the No. 215 overall pick in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He started just one game as a rookie in 2018, but then started all 48 games in Baltimore over the next three seasons.

After spending the first four years of his career in Baltimore, Bozeman hit free agency prior to the 2022 season and signed with the Carolina Panthers. He now has 77 career starts on his resume and enters free agency once again as one of the top veterans available.

This season, Bozeman was chosen as the Panthers’ Walter Payton Man of the Year Award nominee. He was due a base salary of $4.15 million for the 2024 season. Next season will be Bozeman’s eighth in the league and he’ll spend it with his third NFL team.

Panthers releasing Hayden Hurst

The news on Bozeman comes after the Panthers decided to also release tight end Hayden Hurst after the league year begins on March 13. The Panthers gave Hurst the option to take a pay cut to remain with the team, but he declined. Hurst was due a $1.85M roster bonus on March 16. Carolina clears just $52,000 in cap space by cutting Hurst before March 16, with $9.9 million in dead money.

Hurst’s release comes just one year after signing a three-year deal worth $21.75 million with $13 million fully guaranteed with the Panthers. Hurst, 30, appeared in nine games (eight starts), hauling in 18 receptions for 184 yards and a touchdown. 

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.