CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers have released veteran receiver D.J. Hackett, offensive lineman Jeremy Bridges and running back Nick Goings.

The moves made Wednesday come as the Panthers scramble to get under the $123 million salary cap before the start of free agency on Friday.

Hackett was signed before last season but was a disappointment, catching just 13 passes for 181 yards. Bridges was a valuable reserve lineman, but was arrested twice in the past two years and faces a hearing Monday on a misdemeanor assault charge.

Goings was signed as a rookie free agent in 2001 and was a key member on special teams.