David Newton, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

A look at Carolina Panthers' cap space

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers currently have $15,110,885 to spend in free agency based on an estimated salary cap of $143 million, according to ESPN's Stats & Information.

The number does not include an additional $2 million in cap room when the team officially releases all-time leading rusher DeAngelo Williams.

That is expected to happen after the new NFL year begins on March 10, at which time the Panthers can designate Williams a post-June 1 cut for the cap savings.

Carolina could open up more room by restructuring the contracts of a few players, specifically defensive end Charles Johnson, scheduled to count $20,020,000 against the cap.

The Panthers also could lower the 2015 cap number ($14,666,666) of quarterback Cam Newton if they reach a long-term deal with the first overall pick of the 2011 draft.

General manager Dave Gettleman said after the season the team won't have to shop in free agency at the "DollarĀ  Store" as it did last year. He also said the team can't shop at Tiffany's, noting an ideal amount of cap room would be $20 million.

Jacksonville has the most cap space ($67,123,201), according to ESPN Stats & Info. The New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Oakland Raiders each have more than $50 million to spend.

The Panthers rank 22 in cap space, which is third in the NFC South. Tampa Bay, which has the first pick of the draft, ranks ninth with $34,592,562. New Orleans currently ranks last in the league at a deficit of $22,227,879.

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