The Carolina Panthers freed $3.5 million in salary cap space on Tuesday by restructuring offensive tackle Taylor Moton’s contract ahead of the NFL trade deadline at 4:00pm Eastern. The move converted $5.3 million of Moton’s base salary into a signing bonus, spreading the cap hit over the length of his deal and easing the burden on this season’s payroll.
Spotrac confirmed the Panthers’ cap hit for Moton will now be $17.4 million in 2026, $30.2 million in 2027, and $8.7 million in 2028, with the final year voiding. Before the restructure, the team was tight against the salary cap, and this adjustment gives them some breathing room to make moves at the deadline.
Carolina currently sits at 3-5, leading the NFC South, which often suggests a team might look to buy rather than sell at this point in the season. The extra $3.5 million doesn’t open the door for a blockbuster trade, but it could allow the Panthers to add depth through free agent signings or waiver claims. Injuries in the secondary to players like Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson, and Will Lee have left the Panthers thin, and the offensive line has struggled with both health and performance issues.
The team recently hosted cornerback Jack Jones for a visit but has yet to offer him a contract. The cap space created by Moton’s restructure could be used to sign players like Jones or other affordable veterans from struggling teams around the league.
This kind of financial flexibility is common as the trade deadline approaches, allowing teams to respond to unexpected injuries or underperformance. While $3.5 million won’t fund a major acquisition, it could help the Panthers add pieces to support their playoff push.
The Panthers have not confirmed any trade or signing yet but the Moton restructure signals a willingness to make moves before the deadline closes.
According to Yahoo Sports.
