Outside of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, defensive end Charles Johnson represents the biggest cap hit for the team in 2016. At a little more than $15 million counting against the Panthers, there is little way that he plays at that deal.

That leaves two options for general manager Dave Gettleman and Johnson. He could be cut or could be given an extension and try to lower his cap hit.

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Cutting him outright would give the team $11 million in extra cap space immediately in 2016. However, that would leave Carolina without it’s most experienced defensive end and an even bigger hole to fill with a free agent market that is seriously lacking in consistent talent.

The other option would be to give Johnson an extension. It would lower the 2016 cap number considerably, while giving Carolina a player that knows the scheme and coaches. It would also act as a stop-gap until players like Kony Ealy or whoever the Panthers draft in April are ready to take over. But what type of deal would Johnson be likely to see given that he’ll be 30 when the season starts?

Based on a deal to Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson before the 2015 season, it looks like a four-year, $20 million deal is typical for someone of Johnson’s age and production. I have shortened it to a three-year, $15 million deal. The positive is that I can rework the 2016 cap amount and make it a lot nicer.

2016

A $1 million base salary this season helps offset the prorated bonus from a previous restructure back in 2013, as well as the $4.5 million signing bonus I gave to him. That makes his 2016 cap hit only $6.395 million, an effective gain of $8.625 million this season.

2017

For 2017, his base salary jumps up to $7 million, but we don’t have a prorated bonus any longer, meaning that his signing bonus of $1.125 million ($4.5 million split over the contract) is only in effect. That keeps his cap number manageable at $8.125 million. With none of his contract guaranteed, Johnson could actually be cut in 2017 and give the team a cap savings of $4.75 million.

2018

Johnson would be 32 years old when the 2018 season starts, making this likely the point when his skills begin to noticeably deteriorate and he becomes a rotational player for the team. This would also be the point when a 2016 draft pick should be getting his feet under him in his third season and playing a bigger part in the defense, as well as Ealy, barring he is re-signed, being a major starter. 2018 sees his base salary fall to $6 million, making his overall cap number $7.125 million and a cap gain of $4.875 million if he were to be cut.

2019

2019 is Johnson’s final season under contract and it’s a greatly inflated number where he would absolutely be cut. An $11.75 million base salary would make his total cap hit $12.875 million, with a cap gain of $11.75 million if he were to be cut. By this point, Johnson would be in his 12th season and 33 years old, making him an easy decision to be cut.

Overall

While likely not exactly what the team would offer, my proposed deal is one I think Johnson would accept. It gives him some upfront money in the way of a signing bonus and keeps him on the roster a while longer if he continues to produce. It also gives the Panthers a chance to cut him at nearly any time if they desperately need the cap space. With Carolina having all the leverage this year in contract negotiations, it’s one that I could easily see being signed.

The best part of it is that the Panthers get to keep a veteran defensive lineman to help develop the young players they have now and will draft in the coming years. As he gets older, his pay decrease allows Johnson to fall into a rotational role while still earning his paycheck.