NFL Carolina Panthers

5 Veterans Who May Not Return For the Carolina Panthers

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By @b2brennan

5 Veterans Who May Not Return For the Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers
Sam Sharpe - USA Today Sports

The Carolina Panthers are currently still alive in the 2015 NFL Playoffs, but there have been a lot of negatives among the team throughout the season. Here's a look at the five veterans who may not return to the team for the 2015 NFL season.

5. Roman Harper

Carolina Panthers Roman Harper
Brett Davis- USA Today Sports

5. Roman Harper

Carolina Panthers Roman Harper
Brett Davis- USA Today Sports

Roman Harper signed a five-year contract going into this season, but he has not performed up to what he was paid. With the emergence of young players in the secondary, the Panthers might take the hit and release him. Over the last two seasons the Panthers changed their entire secondary. It may be unlikely, but they might want to follow the trend with Harper in 2015.

4. Byron Bell

Byron Bell
Brace Hemmelgarn- USA Today Sports

4. Byron Bell

Byron Bell
Brace Hemmelgarn- USA Today Sports

Byron Bell has been essentially playing for a new contract with the Panthers this season. He was moved to left tackle and has been a disappointment. The Panthers may want to sign him to short-term deal and move him back to his original right tackle position, but they also might just scrap him and pick up a couple of tackles in the draft.

3. Jerricho Cotchery

NFL: Cleveland Browns at Carolina Panthers
Bob Donnan - USA Today Sports

3. Jerricho Cotchery

NFL: Cleveland Browns at Carolina Panthers
Bob Donnan - USA Today Sports

Jerricho Cotchery signed a two-year contract with Carolina in the offseason. The 32-year-old receiver isn't getting any younger, and I'm sure the Panthers would like to go young and develop receiver-quarterback chemistry with Cam Newton. Being in the last year of his contract next season, I would not be surprised to see Cotchery cut in the offseason or traded for a draft pick.

2. DeAngelo Williams

Carolina Panthers v Philadelphia Eagles
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2. DeAngelo Williams

Carolina Panthers v Philadelphia Eagles
Getty Images

DeAngelo Williams still has some time left on his contract, but his injury-riddled 2014 season might be his last straw with the Panthers. Widely considered an overpaid running back, Williams has been passed by Jonathan Stewart as the starter. Stewart has proved he can carry the load if healthy, so don't be surprised if you see Williams cut for a younger, healthier back.

1. Greg Hardy

Carolina Panthers v San Diego Chargers
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1. Greg Hardy

Carolina Panthers v San Diego Chargers
Getty Images

Everybody knows about Greg Hardy and his domestic violence case. He signed the franchise tag with Carolina for this season but that was cut short by being put on the commissioner's exempt list. I highly doubt Carolina brings him back amidst the controversy. His trial date is set for early 2015, so it will all boil down to Hardy being innocent or guilty. Either way, it seems unlikely that the Panthers will take the risk.

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