[ThePundit]

The Carolina Panthers released receiver Keyshawn Johnson on Tuesday, three days after they selected another former Southern California receiver in the second round of the draft.

It was thought Johnson would help groom Dwayne Jarrett of USC, taken in the second round with the 45th pick. But apparently Johnson was deemed expendable -- he and Jarrett are both 6-foot-4 possession receivers.

Johnson, who will turn 35 in July, had 70 catches for 815 yards and four touchdowns last season, his first with Carolina. The Panthers signed the former No. 1 overall pick last year after he was released by Dallas in a salary cap move so the Cowboys could sign Terrell Owens.

A call placed to Johnson Tuesday afternoon was not immediately returned.

Johnson worked as an analyst for ESPN during the network's draft coverage last weekend. When Carolina selected Jarrett, Johnson remarked he was "much like me" for his size and good hands.

Panthers release Keyshawn Johnson - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
So is this it for Keyshawn, or is he done?

[MJHMarc]

A return to the Jets? I hope so.

[ThePundit]

I just heard that the Panthers already paid him $1 million reporting bonus on April 1. This sort of makes no sense as to why they would could him now.

[cwstech]

ESPN.com is reported he was paid a $3 million bonus. I can see it from both sides. Yes, the Panthers have a stable of young receivers with adding two more in this years draft. That gives them 4 that are under the age of 25 (Keary Colbert, Drew Carter, and not Dwayne Jarrett and Ryne Robinson). Robinson is supposedly going to be seeing time at Kick Returner, but you have three other good receivers to compliment Steve Smith. I can see the move. But giving him $3 million less than a month ago. That was STUPID!!!!

[vincesanity82]

Come to tennessee keyshawn...

[MJHMarc]

He's sort of washed up now, but I can't explain why.

[Stoney]

Can I get a job with the Panthers? I would love to spend Jerry's money... oh right were not talking about Jerry Lewis and this wasn't funny either.

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

Come to tennessee keyshawn...

no no no

come to the Patriots

picture Keyshawn .... Moss ... Welker ... Ben Watson and Stallworth all on the field for Brady to throw to, defensive coordinators would just start crying

[MJHMarc]

Are you trying to humiliate me, Simon?

[EmpireWF]

This is so ironic. After the pick, he was excited, he praised the Panthers and was happy for Jarrett. He said he and Steve Smith would teach him and help him get better.

Now it looks as if he took his job.

[MJHMarc]

I don't know. It's a bit bizarre.

Perhaps, a falling out occured.

[vincesanity82]

KEYSHAWN DID NOT RECEIVE A $3 MILLION BONUS

We've been trying to figure out why the Panthers would release receiver Keyshawn Johnson only a month after paying him a $3 million roster bonus. We finally know the reason.

They never paid it to him.

Pat Yasinskas of the Charlotte Observer reports that the Panthers did not -- contrary to a report from ABC 12 and possibly -- pay Johnson a 3 million roster bonus on April 1.

As to the reason for the move, Yasinskas writes: "Some very important people in the organization weren't happy when Johnson failed to stand up and take blame from quarterback Jake Delhomme after some critical passes intended for Johnson were intercepted. At least one very important person in the organization urged Johnson to do that and he didn't."

Yasinskas also says that the decision was made a couple of weeks ago, and that the team waited until after the draft to make the move.

Inside the Panthers

[Lefty Noob]

Shame. What a great receiving corps the Panthers looked to have, with Smith, Keyshawn, Jarrett and Ryne Robinson. I like so many others thought Johnson would've been perfect to help mentor the rookies; instead, he's out of work today. Part of me hopes he catches on with a division rival so he can give them what-for twice a year.

[ThePundit]

Originally Posted by MJHMarc

He's sort of washed up now, but I can't explain why.

I can, it's called age.

[MJHMarc]

How old is he? He was only a rookie with the Jets less than a decade ago.