Jason Avant Cut by Panthers: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Seven months after signing Jason Avant, the Carolina Panthers have reportedly decided to cut the veteran wide receiver.    

Doug Hendrickson, Avant's agent, was the first to tweet news of the release, which was confirmed by Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports 1:

Avant, 31, made headlines this week after he was critical of the team's play-calling in Week 11 against the Atlanta Falcons. He told reporters following the Panthers' 19-17 loss that they could have been more aggressive with their play-calling on the final drive before kicker Graham Gano attempted a 63-yard field goal, via Joseph Person of The Charlotte Observer.

"I’ve been in the league a long time," Avant said. "I know two things. You never want to give a team a chance to win a game, with how much time was left on the clock. And asking a kicker to make a 50-yard field goal with the game on the line is rough sledding."

Rivera commented on Avant's release by saying that it had nothing to do with his performance but an opportunity to get Philly Brown more playing time, via Steve Reed of The Associated Press:

The Panthers' also tweeted out Rivera's comments about what Brown brings to the offense that they have been lacking:

Max Henson of Panthers.com was in agreement with Rivera's assessment, noting the team needs more speed on the outside to open up the offense:

Whether Avant's comments were the impetus for his release or not, it's clear something had to change for the Panthers. He hasn't been the biggest problem, but with just 201 receiving yards and 9.6 yards per catch there wasn't any threat for opposing defenses to plan for. 

Brown has only been targeted 17 times this season but has 12 receptions and averages 13.3 yards per catch. That average ranks third on the team, behind Kelvin Benjamin and Jerricho Cotchery. Avant still holds value as a possession receiver and should catch on somewhere.

It's just clear Avant's marriage with Carolina wasn't built to last.