CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 1, 2007) -- The Carolina Panthers released receiver Keyshawn Johnson, 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 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.
