Panthers cut injury-prone LB Morgan, starting G Wahle

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers finally ran out of patience with injury-prone linebacker Dan Morgan.

The Panthers released their former first-round pick Monday after seven seasons. He was dominant when he played, but was on the field for only 59 of 112 games.

The Panthers also released veteran Mike Wahle, who started 16 games at left guard last season. The moves were the first of what are expected to be many after consecutive non-winning seasons.

Morgan was Carolina's first-round pick in 2001, and wowed coaches and fans with a combination of hard hits and speed. Morgan had 25 tackles in Carolina's loss to New England in the Super Bowl four years ago, and his 452 tackles rank third in team history.

Morgan just couldn't stay healthy. He never played all 16 games in a season due to numerous injuries, including at least five concussions.

He missed all but one game of the 2006 season after sustaining two concussions in a month. The Panthers brought him back for 2007 only after he agreed to restructure his contract so that his bonus money was based on the number of games he played.

Wearing a special mouthpiece and helmet with special padding, Morgan regained his starting position, only to suffer a partial tear in his right Achilles' tendon in Week 3.

Morgan eventually underwent surgery and missed the final 13 games. Rookie Jonathan Beason moved to Morgan's middle linebacker spot and thrived, leading the team in tackles, while making Morgan expendable.

"Last year, with the way things went and the emergence of Jon Beason, we felt that it was time to go in another direction," general manager Marty Hurney said. "I can't speak for Dan, but he's looking forward to continuing to play and maybe a change of scenery will be good as well."

Morgan said the day after the season ended that he wanted to return in 2008, but seemed resigned to his fate in Carolina, wishing reporters well if he didn't see them again.

Morgan's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said Morgan needs a change of scenery.

"We thought it was a mutually good idea. It's important for Dan to get a fresh start," Rosenhaus said. "He's been a little bit snakebit in the last couple of years in Carolina. It'll do him some good to start over with another organization.

"It does not come as a surprise. Dan will definitely be playing football in 2008. He's way ahead of schedule on his recovery."