Ravens release LB Daryl Smith and DE Canty for cap space

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- The Baltimore Ravens have released linebacker Daryl Smith and cut ties with defensive end Chris Canty, moves designed to create salary cap space.

Smith led the Ravens with 121 tackles last season. He never missed a start in three seasons with Baltimore,Cincinnati Bengals Jerseys surpassing 120 tackles each year.

Smith played nine seasons with Jacksonville before coming to the Ravens. He turns 34 late this month.

General manager Ozzie Newsome says Smith could return to the Ravens.''

Canty joined the Ravens in 2013. The 11-year veteran had 83 tackles in 35 games with Baltimore,NFL Jerseys Wholesale but missed significant time with injuries.

Newsome says, ''I called Chris to thank him for what he has done for the Ravens. He has been an impactful player for us on and off the field.''

The moves free up salary cap money for the Ravens when free agency starts next week

The team released the 29-year-old defensive end on Thursday, a move that will save it $11 million under the salary cap. The team will carry $4 million of ''dead money'' on this year's cap left over from the remainder of Johnson's prorated signing bonus.

Carolina also released 34-year-old defensive tackle Dwan Edwards, a move that opens up an additional $1.6 million in cap space, and backup offensive tackle Nate Chandler. And Carolina re-signed backup free agent offensive guard Chris Scott to a one-year contract. Terms of that deal were not announced.

Johnson started nine games for the Panthers in 2015, but struggled with hamstring injuries and missed seven games while on short-term injured reserve.

He had one sack in the regular season and three sacks in three postseason games.

Johnson has a career total of 63 1/2 sacks, second most in franchise history behind Julius Peppers' 81. He made at least nine sacks in four consecutive years from 2010-13 and had a career-high 12 1/2 sacks in 2012.

''Charles was an impact player for the Carolina Panthers for a long time, both on and off the field,'' Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman said in a statement. ''His statistics speak for themselves, and as a team captain he led the way you want your leaders to lead - by example. I wish him the best moving forward.''

Johnson seemed to take the news in stride. He took to Twitter on Thursday after the move was announced, tweeting, ''(at)Panthers Love, Respect, and Hard Work (hash)PantherPride.''

Johnson joins another top defensive end, Mario Williams, on the free agent market.

The move means the Panthers must replace both starting defensive ends from last season. Jared Allen retired earlier this offseason.

Kony Ealy, who had three sacks and an interception in the Super Bowl, is expected to take over at one of those spots; the other remains vacant. The Panthers recently visited with former Jets and Dolphins defensive end Quinton Coples, but no agreement has been reached.

The Panthers could address the need in the draft or free agency.

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