Carolina Panthers release former starter Shy Tuttle after two seasons
The Carolina Panthers have moved on from a former starter on defense.
The team released defensive tackle Shy Tuttle on Tuesday, according to a league source. Tuttle, a Lexington native, originally signed a three-year, $19.5 million contract with the team in 2023.
Tuttle, 29, agreed to a pay cut this offseason to stick with Carolina for the third and final season of his deal. However, with the addition of free agents Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown, and draft pick Cam Jackson joining the roster, Tuttle was dropped from the depth chart into a rotational role.
Ultimately, the Panthers decided to release Tuttle, opening up $2.4 million in salary cap space for the upcoming season, according to Over the Cap. Wharton, Brown and Jackson are likely to fill up the snap count, and Derrick Brown is expected to return to prominence in his role. A’Shawn Robinson is also expected to be heavily involved as well.
It doesn’t appear Tuttle will remain unemployed for long, though. According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Tennessee Titans — who hold the No. 1 waiver position — are planning to sign Tuttle to a one-year deal when teams are allowed to formalize offers Wednesday.
Tuttle spent his entire Carolina tenure working under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. In 32 games, Tuttle produced 89 tackles, a half sack and eight pass breakups.
This story was originally published August 26, 2025 at 12:03 PM.
