When Carolina drafted Southern California’s Dwayne Jarrett in the second round Saturday, Keyshawn Johnson was ecstatic.
“This is a great pick. We need another wide receiver,” Johnson gushed while working as an analyst for ESPN. “This guy is much like me. I’m going to teach him how to play from the point of attack.”
He won’t get the chance. The Panthers deemed their older former USC receiver expendable Tuesday. Johnson, who turns 35 in July, was released to make way for a younger 6-foot-4-inch possession receiver. The 1996 No. 1 overall pick had 70 catches for 815 yards and four TDs last season.
*Tampa Bay acquired defensive tackle Ryan Sims, the sixth overall pick in 2002, from Kansas City for an undisclosed future draft pick. The Chiefs also cut defensive end Eric Hicks.
*Marcus Vick’s stint with the Dolphins is over. Signed last season as a free-agent receiver after a troubled career as Virginia Tech’s quarterback, he was waived along with defensive tackle Manny Wright and linebacker Bobby Iwuchukwu. … With punter Todd Sauerbrun signed to a $1.4 million contract, Denver waived second-year kicker Eddie Johnson.
*Former 49ers linebacker Kevin Mitchell died in his sleep Sunday at the age of 36. The cause of death was not immediately announced. … Following a meeting with Bills owner Ralph Wilson, assistant general manager Tom Modrak has agreed to stay with the team.
