CHARLOTTE The Carolina Panthers made their first cut Thursday, taking out what was left of their starting defensive line.

With the free agent market opening at 12:01 a.m. Friday, the Panthers needs are clear. They’ll be looking for a few starters, but aren’t expected to make a huge splash. Here’s a look at what’s available at the positions of need for the Panthers:

CHARLOTTE The Carolina Panthers wanted to make sure everyone knew what they thought of linebacker Thomas Davis and quarterback Matt Moore, putting the highest possible restricted free agent tenders on them Wednesday.

CHARLOTTE The Carolina Panthers have until Thursday afternoon to deal with their 11 restricted free agents.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick said on a weekend radio appearance that if he could choose to play for any team in the NFL, it would be the Carolina Panthers.

INDIANAPOLIS There was plenty of Julius Peppers buzz Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine.

CHARLOTTE Tuesday was the day the Carolina Panthers formally parted ways with defensive end Julius Peppers, choosing not to use a $20 million franchise tag to prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent.

CHARLOTTE On the day Julius Peppers finally received the freedom he’s sought for more than a year, he described his parting with the Carolina Panthers as “bittersweet.”

CHARLOTTE Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney did the expected Tuesday, announcing that the team would not use the franchise tag on defensive end Julius Peppers.

CHARLOTTE Julius' Peppers days with the Carolina Panthers are over and after weeks of silence, the team finally will discuss its position on the matter this afternoon when general manager Marty Hurney meets with the media.