PanthersThe talented and often outspoken Keyshawn Johnson was unceremoniously released from his contract by the Carolina Panthers earlier this week. Normally, cutting a 34 year old wide out past his prime wouldn’t be that big of a deal, but Keyshawn was a very important part of what success the Panthers had on offense in 2006. What is strange about this is that Keyshawn was paid a $3 million roster bonus earlier this year and while analyzing the draft for ESPN last Saturday, he interviewed the Panther’s 2nd round pick Dwayne Jarrett from USC and seemed genuinely excited about playing with and mentoring the fellow Trojan. By all accounts Keyshawn was happy in his role with the Panthers and was set to be the 3rd wide receiver alongside pro-bowler Steve Smith and the previously mentioned Mr. Jarrett.

KeyshawnI don’t know what the Panthers could be thinking. They need all the offensive productivity they can get, not knowing which Jake Delhomme is going to show up to play quarterback. Granted, Keyshawn is 34 and has undoubtedly lost a step, but he is still a 1st down waiting to happen. He is still big at 6-4, 211lbs. and he will get the tough catch, whether it’s a jump ball in the end zone or a catch in traffic around the goal line. If his team needs 6 yards Keyshawn will get 7. The Panthers say they wanted to get younger, well they did, and I promise they will regret it when they find themselves in the cellar of the NFC South division this fall.