Ken Lucas Finally Cut by Panthers

Ken Lucas was, for all intents and purposes, already on his way out of Charlotte -- the Panthers tried to trade him to the Detroit Lions, even though he declined to leave.

And today, he's officially gone; Carolina cut him from the team's roster.

"Ken Lucas has been a very valuable player for us over the last four years and played an important role on two playoff teams during that span. Ken is a true pro and we wish him the very best," general manager Marty Hurney said in a release issued by the team. "This year, we have re-signed some veteran players and this move means some younger players will have an opportunity to step up."

What Hurney didn't mention there is the biggest issue surrounding Lucas: cap space. The Panthers had barely more than twice Liz Lemon's checking account in salary-cap room ($24,042) and releasing Lucas clears up $2.3 million. In other words, it was a good -- and necessary -- move.

For Lucas' part, it's pretty clear that he saw this coming. Now he gets to choose the team he will play for rather than having to trot back out onto the field every time Matthew Stafford throws a pick in 2009.