Carolina Panthers release safety Thomas DeCoud

The Carolina Panthers have announced that they have released veteran defensive back Thomas DeCoud.

The 29-year-old only joined the club last year on a two-year deal during free agency after leaving the Atlanta Falcons.

However, Ron Rivera's men have chosen to cut ties with the safety after just one season as DeCoud fell down the pecking order in the secondary in the latter half of the campaign.

DeCoud recorded 49 tackles and one interception in the 2014 season.