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The Panthers didn't lose cash when they released wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson. Some media outlets have the team giving him a $3 million roster bonus, but in reality, Johnson had a $1 million roster bonus set for the fall. He won't get that money. He won't get a $1 million base salary. Johnson was a victim of a youth movement. The Panthers drafted Dwayne Jarrett out of USC, and Johnson wanted to mentor him into the NFL. The thought last week was if the Panthers drafted a wide receiver, Johnson would be gone.

It's going to be a tough market for Johnson to find a new home. He's 34. Most of the receiving jobs are taken, and most teams aren't looking for a 34-year-old possession receiver. One possibility could be New Orleans, but the Saints recently signed David Patten as their veteran receiver. Odds are the Saints won't sign him. Johnson's next job could be at the NFL minimum of $820,000, and Johnson might not be interested in waiting for a receiver to get injured in minicamp or training camp just to get the minimum.

Refurbishing project: The Buccaneers were able to rejuvenate the career of defensive tackle Chris Hovan after the Vikings gave up on him. Now, defensive tackle Ryan Sims becomes the next Bucs project. The Bucs acquired him for what is believed to be a conditional seventh-round pick. For needs, the Bucs are desperate to find a three-technique defensive tackle. Sims was drafted to be a three-technique tackle in the mold of Warren Sapp. He's been mostly a bench warmer the past couple of seasons.

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