Panthers release Mike Tolbert, Paul Soliai

The Carolina Panthers have released fullback Mike Tolbert and defensive tackle Paul Soliai, the team announced Tuesday.

Releasing Tolbert saves the Panthers $1.5 million in salary cap space, while cutting ties with Soliai frees up another $2.5 million.

Tolbert had been a key contributor for Carolina for the better part of five seasons after signing a free-agent deal with the club back in 2012, suiting up for 59 games and earning three Pro Bowl appearances.

Soliai signed a two-year, $7-million deal with the Panthers last offseason, but his production dropped off in 2016. The 33-year-old recorded just eight tackles and was awarded only one start last season while playing in a total of 10 games.