Carolina Panthers release WR Russell Shepard, sign four others

The Carolina Panthers released wide receiver Russell Shepard after one season with the team, the Panthers announced Monday.

Per the Charlotte Observer, Shepard refused to accept a pay cut from the team after signing a three-year, $10 million deal last offseason.

"It was fun while it lasted thanks for the OPPORTUNITY," the 28-year-old Shepard wrote on Instagram.

Shepard had just 17 receptions for 202 yards and a touchdown in 2017.

The Panthers acquired Torrey Smith from the Philadelphia Eagles, signed Jarius Wright and selected fellow wide receiver D.J. Moore in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Carolina also has Devin Funchess, slot man Curtis Samuel and Damiere Byrd on its wide receiver depth chart.

Also on Monday, the Panthers signed wide receiver Bug Howard, center Kyle Friend, guard Quinterrius Eatmon and defensive end Karter Schult. Carolina also waived cornerback Zack Sanchez with an injury designation.

Howard totaled 2,048 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns in four seasons at North Carolina.

Friend spent the last two seasons on the practice squads of the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Eatmon has played with a number of Canadian Football League teams, most recently for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats during the 2017 season.

Schult signed with the Cleveland Browns in May 2017 before being waived at the end of the preseason.