Incredibly, the Panthers didn’t think veteran Keyshawn Johnson would make a great tutor. Weirdly, though, Carolina gave Meshawn a $1 million roster bonus a month ago. From the AP :
The Carolina Panthers released receiver Keyshawn Johnson (above, left) today, three days after they selected another former USC receiver in the second round of the draft.
It was thought Johnson would help groom Dwayne Jarrett of USC, taken in the second round with the 45th pick. But apparently Johnson was deemed expendable — he and Jarrett are both 6-foot-4 possession receivers.
Johnson, who will turn 35 in July, had 70 catches for 815 yards and four touchdowns last season, his first with Carolina. The Panthers signed the former No. 1 overall pick last year after he was released by Dallas in a salary cap move so the Cowboys could sign Terrell Owens.
A call placed to Johnson Tuesday afternoon was not immediately returned.
Johnson worked as an analyst for ESPN during the network’s draft coverage last weekend. When Carolina selected Jarrett, Johnson remarked he was “much like me” for his size and good hands.
Now it makes sense. As I watched Jarrett’s conversation with Keyshawn after he was picked up, Jarrett looked uncomfortable. I thought maybe he was nervous and excited, but now I suspect the Panther’s office had pulled him aside ahead of time…”Pssst. Don’t say anything to Keyshawn, but you’re gonna be our guy. Just play along when he calls you…”
i hope the Eagles pick up ol’ Key.