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. But apparently Johnson was deemed expendable — he and Jarrett are both 6-foot-4 possession receivers.
The Panthers also selected receiver Ryne Robinson in the fourth round of the draft. The Panthers also have receivers Drew Carter and Keary Colbert on the roster.
"We appreciated the contribution of Keyshawn in his season with the Panthers," coach John Fox said. "He brought us high production, but at this time, we are in a situation in which we have a number of young receivers and thought this was the right time to make the decision."
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Johnson, who will turn 35 in July, had 70 catches for 815 yards and four touchdowns last season, his first with Carolina, and became the 16th player in NFL history with 800 career catches. The Panthers signed the former No. 1 overall pick last year after he was released by Dallas.