CHARLOTTE -- The Carolina Panthers have released running back Nick Goings, offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges and wide receiver D.J. Hackett, the team announced Wednesday.
Goings made Carolina's 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2001 and rushed for 1,470 yards in eight seasons, including a team-leading and career-high 821 in 2004 after Stephen Davis, DeShaun Foster and Rod Smart were placed on injured reserve. In just eight starts in 2004, he generated five 100-yard rushing games and tied a team record with four consecutive 100-yard efforts.
Goings also caught 110 passes for 880 yards and three touchdowns in his career. A productive special teams player, he ranks fifth in team history with 53 career special teams tackles and stands 10th in games played with 105.
Bridges joined the Panthers as a free agent at the beginning of the 2006 season and started the final 14 games of the year at right tackle. He moved to right guard where he made 10 starts in 2007 and played primarily as a reserve last season, starting four games at right tackle.
Hackett played one season with the Panthers and posted 13 receptions for 181 yards in nine games with two starts.
"Nick has been a valuable member of our team since I have been in Carolina. As a starter or in a reserve role, his versatility and contributions on special teams, along with his unselfish attitude, were important to our team and locker room," said head coach John Fox. "While Jeremy and D.J. were not here as long, their contributions were significant in the success of our season last year. Jeremy's flexibility meant a lot to the football team."
