CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have released quarterback Taylor Tharp and punter Dan Zeidman.

The moves on Thursday trim the Panthers’ roster to 79 players. Carolina must make room on the 80-man roster before they sign their nine draft picks.

General manager Marty Hurney said this week they’re close to a deal with sixth-round choice Nick Hayden. Talks with first-round picks Jonathan Stewart and Jeff Otah have yet to heat up.

Tharp and Zeidman were undrafted rookies signed to fill out the roster for the team’s offseason workouts. Tharp attended Boise State and Zeidman went to Idaho State.