Panthers release QB Newton,

The Cam Newton era is over in Carolina, as the Panthers released the 30-year-old quarterback. The move became a mere formality after the Panthers made it clear last week they were moving on from Newton by giving him permission to seek a trade and then agreeing to a three-year, $63 million contract with free agent Teddy Bridgewater about 90 minutes later. On Monday night, Newton posted on his Instagram account that he was “hungrier” now because he is “unemployed.”

“Cam has meant a lot to this organization and the Carolinas,” Panthers GM Marty Hurney said in a statement Tuesday. “His contributions to this team, this community and the game of football will leave a lasting impact.”

The move frees up $19.1 million in salary cap space for the Panthers. They’ll have to absorb $2 million in dead cap money.