Report: Carolina Panthers plan to release TE Hayden Hurst

The Carolina Panthers plan to release tight end Hayden Hurst after the league year begins on March 13, Joe Person of The Athletic reported Tuesday.

The Panthers gave Hurst the option to take a pay cut to remain with the team, but he declined. Hurst is 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. He didn’t appear in a game after suffering a concussion in the 16-13 Week 10 defeat to the Chicago Bears.

Hayden Hurst’s 2023 season impacted by concussion

Hurst was diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia by an independent neurologist after suffering the concussion. He said at the time he didn’t believe the injury was career-ending.

“I appreciate everyone reaching out & checking on me,” Hurst wrote on X. “I suffered a pretty nasty concussion against the Bears a few weeks ago & don’t remember up to 4 hours after the game. Scary situation but the Panthers have been incredible walking me through this process.”

He added in a follow-up post: “While it was scary, it is NOT career ending. I’m starting my return to play this week, so fingers crossed I make it back for the last few weeks! God Bless & Keep Pounding !!!!”

Hurst notably caught the first touchdown pass of rookie quarterback Bryce Young‘s career. Young went on to struggle for the majority of the season. Hurst said in January that Young received too much input from too many people.

“I think there’s just too many opinions and you’re kind of looking for the right answer from everybody. Too much input, which sucks for Bryce,” Hurst said. “I think he kind of had a lot of people in his ear telling him one thing. When you’re a 21-year-old kid, you think that is gonna be consistent in the NFL. And unfortunately for him, I think maybe he was listening to too many people. So it’ll be a good off-season for him, again, just to kind of get back to his roots.”