It appears that if you're an NFL veteran with a big contract, Thursday might be a stressful day.

The Carolina Panthers released defensive end and captain Charles Johnson, the team announced. The move is designed to add salary cap space by dumping a player who was set to earn $11 million in 2016.

"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, a third-round pick in 2007, was a monster in the early part of his career. After appearing in just three games in 2007, Johnson recorded 62.5 sacks over the next seven seasons, surprassing the 10-sack mark on three occassions. However, he played in just nine games in 2015, recording just one sack.

Johnson did pick up his game in the Panthers' playoff run. Johnson appeared in all three Carolina playoff games, including the Super Bowl, recording three sacks and seven tackles.

Johnson will be 30 when the 2016 season begins.