By MIKE CRANSTON
AP Sports Writer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) – The Carolina Panthers began shedding veteran players to clear salary-cap space Wednesday, releasing receiver D.J. Hackett, offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges and running back Nick Goings.

The moves combine to save more than $4 million as the Panthers scramble to get under the $123 million cap before the start of free agency on Friday. The Panthers have also restructured the contracts of cornerback Chris Gamble and linebacker Landon Johnson to create more cap room.

Hackett was signed to a two-year, $3.5 million free-agent deal before last season, but was a disappointment in 2008. Plagued by injuries, the ex-Seahawk never challenged Muhsin Muhammad for the No. 2 receiver job and eventually fell behind Dwayne Jarrett on the depth chart.

Hackett, who caught just 13 passes for 181 yards, probably had his fate sealed when he was on the inactive list for Carolina’s playoff loss to Arizona while Jarrett was the No. 3 receiver.

Bridges was a valuable reserve who could play both guard and tackle and started 28 games in three seasons with Carolina.

“Jeremy’s flexibility meant a lot to the football team,” coach John Fox said in a statement.

But Bridges turns 29 in April and carried baggage off the field.

Bridges was suspended for the first two games of the 2007 season after being arrested – and later convicted – of a misdemeanor assault charge after being accused of pointing a gun at a woman outside a strip club.

Bridges started four games due to injuries last season, but was held out of a late-season win over Tampa Bay, less than 24 hours after he arrested again on a misdemeanor assault charge in connection with a disturbance at a restaurant. Bridges has a court hearing scheduled for Monday.

Goings had the longest stint of the three in Carolina. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2001, Goings was used primarily on special teams except in 2004. Due to injuries, Goings led the Panthers that season with 821 yards rushing.

He played in only four games in 2007 because a concussion, but returned last season as a contributor on special teams.

“Nick has been a valuable member of our team since I have been in Carolina,” Fox said. “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.”

The Panthers may not be finished making moves. Cornerback Ken Lucas’ future is uncertain and he’s been mentioned in trade talks. The Panthers could also try to restructure or extend contracts of other players as they maneuver a tight salary-cap situation thanks to defensive end Julius Peppers.

The decision to place the franchise tag on Peppers required they offer him a one-year deal worth $16.7 million. That money will count against the cap starting Friday.

The Panthers are also squeezed by All-Pro left tackle Jordan Gross’ new deal signed last week that’s worth more than $30 million in the first three years.