CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - The Panthers have released veteran kicker Olindo Mare just one year after giving him a four-year, $12 million contract.
Justin Medlock, a journeyman kicker who last played for the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats, appears to have won the Carolina job. Medlock displayed a stronger leg at training camp than Mare, who was 22 of 28 on field goals attempts last year with two key misses. The Panthers still have to pay Mare $3 million, the remaining portion of his signing bonus.
Carolina (No. 20 in the AP Pro32) also went young at punter, releasing veteran Nick Harris and keeping rookie sixth-round draft pick Brad Nortman.
Defensive end Eric Norwood was waived.
The team Monday also placed cornerback Brandon Hogan on injured reserve and wide receiver David Gettis on the PUP list.