CHARLOTTE (CHARLOTTE SPORTS LIVE) — The Panthers are expected to cut veteran center Bradley Bozeman, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rappaport on Sunday.
The move will reportedly be official on Wednesday when the 2024 league year officially begins.
Bozeman spent two years with Carolina, playing in all 17 games in both seasons. His first season in black & blue was good and that earned him a new contract, however, his second year was a different story.
The 29-year-old allowed eight sacks as he struggled under Carolina’s new blocking scheme. According to Pro Football Focus, that’s the most sacks allowed by a center in 2023.
A separate report from ESPN says the decision to cut Bozeman was performance-based and not due to his $1.5 million deal. The move will reportedly save the Panthers $360,000.
Bozeman was the team’s nominee for the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. This is the league’s most prestigious honor and acknowledges NFL players who demonstrate a passion for creating a positive impact in their communities.
Bozeman’s foundation is centered around anti-bullying programs. During a 2020 road trip across the Carolinas, the Bozeman’s visited schools to build awareness and spread anti-bullying messages.
As a nominee, the NFL gifted Bozeman and his foundation up to $55,000 in donations.