Below is a rundown of the Panthers' unrestricted free agents.
Unrestricted -- Unrestricted free agents have completed four or more accrued seasons (six or more regular-season games on a club's active/inactive, reserved/injured or reserve/physically unable to perform lists). They are free to sign with any team with no draft choice compensation owed to his old team.
QB Derek Anderson
Anderson has backed up quarterback Cam Newton for the past two seasons. He's played in four games over that two-year span. He was 4-for-4 on pass attempts in 2012. He didn't attempt a pass in 2011. Anderson started nine games for the Arizona Cardinals in 2010 after spending the previous four seasons with the Cleveland Browns. His stint in Cleveland was highlighted by a Pro Bowl campaign in 2007, when he threw for 3,787 yards and 29 touchdowns.
DE Antwan Applewhite
After recording two sacks in 12 games played in 2011 – his first season in Carolina – Applewhite was hamstrung by injury in 2012. A right hamstring injury limited him to just five games played with three starts. He tallied six tackles and one sack.
TE Gary Barnidge
A fifth round pick by the Panthers in 2008, Barnidge played sparingly in his first three years before spending the entire 2011 season on injured reserve due to a fractured left fibula and dislocated left ankle. He returned to action in 2012 and recorded six catches for 78 yards and one touchdown – the first touchdown of his career.
DT Dwan Edwards
After Edwards was released by the Buffalo Bills during their final roster cutdown, the defensive tackle became a valuable contributor on the Panthers defensive line. He started 14 games in 2012 and ranked third among NFL defensive tackles with a career-high six sacks, giving him 11.5 for his career.
TE Ben Hartsock
Hartsock – a nine-year pro – served as a blocking tight end for the past two seasons in Carolina. He's played in 30 games with seven starts over that span. Hartsock recorded two catches for 30 yards in 2012.
S Sherrod Martin
A second round pick by the Panthers in 2009, Martin was the team's starting free safety from 2010-11. He was not a starter in 2012, but recorded 23 tackles and three passes defensed in 12 appearances. His season ended when he suffered a torn right anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament at Kansas City in Week 13.
CB Captain Munnerlyn
Munnerlyn drew praise for his work in the slot as a nickel corner in his fourth season. He recorded two interceptions and returned both for touchdowns. Munnerlyn – who played in all 16 games with 11 starts – also tallied a career-high 61 tackles in 2012.
WR Louis Murphy
After spending his first three seasons in Oakland, Murphy came to Carolina via trade prior to the 2012 season. He was often used a vertical threat and played in all 16 games, recording 25 receptions for 336 yards and one touchdown.
LB Jason Phillips
Phillips has provided depth at the linebacker position and was the Panthers' leading special teams tackler in 2012 with 16 stops. He also made the first two starts of his career when James Anderson was out due to injury.
G Mike Pollak
After four years with the Indianapolis Colts, Pollak signed with the Panthers prior to the 2012 season but he only managed to play in the season opener. Pollack landed on injured reserve with a right shoulder injury.
