The Carolina Panthers released veteran running back Jonathan Stewart on Wednesday, and head coach Ron Rivera said people shouldn’t assume the obvious with regards to Stewart’s replacement.
Jonathan Stewart Panthers replacement news
Rivera made it clear Thursday at the NFL scouting combine that the decision to cut Stewart — Carolina’s all-time leading rusher after ten years with the team — was a difficult one for him. The Panthers saved around $3.7 million in salary cap space with the move.
Stewart, who will be 31 on March 21, was coming off one of his worst seasons statistically on an offensive line general manager Marty Hurney considered one of the top five in the league. Stewart averaged a career-low 3.4 yards per carry (680 yards on 198 carries), and his total yards were his fewest since 2013, when he was limited by injuries.
The only other two running backs who had lower averaged yards per carry this season despite racking up 150 carries or more were Adrian Peterson and Ameer Abdullah, per ESPN Stats & Information.
People may expect the Panthers to find a running back who is known for power runs, as this was Stewart’s style, but Rivera said this may not necessarily be exactly what his team is seeking now. The coach said he’d like to find a pass rusher with a dynamic skill set to work in tandem with pass-catching back Christian McCaffrey.
“I wouldn’t say you need to have a guy like Jonathan,” Rivera said. “You go back and look at what (new offensive coordinator Norv Turner) did with LaDainian (Tomlinson), you look at Frank Gore when he was in San Francisco. You know, he’s had dynamic guys that are multi-faceted. That run the ball inside, outside, catch the ball well and pass-protect.
“That’s what you’re really looking for is that type of guy.”
Among the other positions Carolina is urgently seeking are receiver, edge rusher, guard and safety.
“There are several really good-looking backs in this draft,” he said. “It’s really about the guy who will best fit what you want. It’s interesting to see how it goes. I’m anxious to watch that group, because I think it’s a pretty dynamic group from top to bottom. … I do think there is a guy who can potentially help us.”
The NFL scouting combine began Tuesday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana, and will end on Monday (March 5).
Stewart finishes his ten-year career in Carolina with 7,318 yards.
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 19: Running back Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers carries the ball against defensive back Greg Toler #20 of the Washington Redskins in the third quarter at FedExField on December 19, 2016 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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