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CHARLOTTE (MCT)  — Cornerback Ken Lucas, whose value to the Carolina Panthers' playoff run last season couldn't be measured solely by his on-field contributions, was released Wednesday to create much-needed salary-cap room.

"These decisions are never easy," said general manager Marty Hurney, who confirmed that the team tried to trade Lucas, a four-year starter.

"We had a couple of teams approach us about deals," he said.

The Panthers saved $2.375 million in salary-cap space. Lucas was to count $10.705 million against the cap, but will now count $8.33 million.

The Panthers were virtually out of cap room after giving big multi-year contracts to re-sign cornerback Chris Gamble and left tackle Jordan Gross, and to put the franchise tag on defensive end Julius Peppers (a commitment of $16.683 million for 2009).

Lucas started 49 of 50 games the past four seasons since signing as an unrestricted free agent in 2005. He had 13 interceptions in that span.

"He's given us everything we thought and hoped for when we signed him," Hurney said.

Lucas was at the center of the biggest story of training camp last summer. Teammate Steve Smith punched him and broke his nose on the sidelines during a practice in Spartanburg, but Lucas quickly forgave Smith and the two went on to develop a close friendship.

Lucas' forgiveness likely prevented severe locker-room problems. It inspired not only his teammates and coaches, but many Panthers fans and other observers — so much so that forgiveness became one of the primary themes of the Panthers' 12-4 season.

Neither Lucas nor his agent, Bus Cook, could be reached for comment.

Lucas is now a free agent . Other clubs likely were reluctant to trade for him because he was to make an '09 base salary of $5.6 million. Now, teams can negotiate a more cap-friendly deal with him.

Richard Marshall, a second-round pick in 2006, is expected to replace Lucas in the starting lineup. The Panthers have a promising young backup in C.J. Wilson, a 2007 seventh-round pick, and an experienced veteran in Dante Wesley.

The Panthers might try to add more depth in the draft, but seem unlikely to do so in free agency.