Free-agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney suspected that the Carolina Panthers didn't view him as part of the team's future before he was cut on Thursday.

Before the draft, Panthers G.M. Dan Morgan was vague when asked about the future of edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. After the draft, a report emerged that the Panthers engaged in pre-draft conversations about possibly trading Clowney.

The Carolina Panthers have released one of their starting pass rushers from last season, the team announced Thursday, parting ways with Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney was due around $8.53 million in salary this upcoming season, and $2 million of that is reportedly guaranteed. This move frees up $7.78 million in cap space for Carolina.