CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Carolina Panthers announced that veteran running back Jonathan Stewart was released by the team Wednesday.
Stewart, who was drafted by the Panthers in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, finished last season with 680 rushing yards and six touchdowns. In 10 seasons with Carolina, Stewart rushed for 7,318 yards and scored 58 total touchdowns.
The former Oregon Duck, who has spent his entire NFL career with Carolina, became the team’s all-time leading rusher in 2017, surpassing DeAngelo Williams during a victory against New England. In 2009, Stewart and Williams made NFL history by becoming the first pair of teammates to rush for more than 1,110 yards each in a single season.
Stewart finished the 2017 season with a career-low 3.4 yards per carry. Rookie running back Christian McCaffrey split carries with Stewart, tallying 850 receiving yards and 3.7 yards per carry.
The seasoned tailback is the third veteran cut by the Panthers this week, joining defensive end Charles Johnson and safety Kurt Coleman.