Panthers Face Over $5 Million in Dead Cap as Veteran Contracts Void

The Carolina Panthers will carry additional financial burdens in 2026 due to voided contracts.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Carolina Panthers will take on an extra $5.2 million in dead cap after the contracts of offensive lineman Austin Corbett and outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum voided, making them unrestricted free agents. The Panthers also have dead money tied to other veteran players like wide receiver Adam Thielen, defensive lineman Shy Tuttle, and linebackers Josey Jewell and DJ Johnson.

Why it matters

Dead cap hits can significantly impact a team's salary cap and limit their ability to sign new players or retain key talent. This situation highlights the financial challenges the Panthers face as they look to rebuild their roster and remain competitive in the NFC South.

The details

Corbett's voided contract will add $4.41 million in dead cap, while Wonnum's will add $825,000. Last offseason, the Panthers were able to re-sign Corbett to a one-year deal after initially pushing back his void deadline. Wonnum recorded 3.0 sacks over 16 games in his second season with the team.

  • The contracts of Austin Corbett and D.J. Wonnum voided on Monday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Austin Corbett

An offensive lineman who played for the Carolina Panthers in 2025, starting games at left guard, center, and right guard.

D.J. Wonnum

An outside linebacker who recorded 3.0 sacks over 16 games for the Carolina Panthers in the 2025 season.

Adam Thielen

A wide receiver who will count $3.33 million against the Panthers' 2026 salary cap.

Shy Tuttle

A defensive lineman who will count $3.22 million against the Panthers' 2026 salary cap.

Josey Jewell

An inside linebacker who will count $2.33 million against the Panthers' 2026 salary cap.

DJ Johnson

An outside linebacker who will count $250,543 against the Panthers' 2026 salary cap.

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The takeaway

The Panthers' salary cap situation has become more challenging due to the voided contracts of Corbett and Wonnum, as well as the dead money tied to other veteran players. This will force the team to make difficult decisions as they look to rebuild and remain competitive in the NFC South.