It appears the two sides have parted on amicable terms.

   Johnson, who had kept a fairly low profile in recent weeks since his release – which is to say he hasn’t returned any phone calls seeking comment – had a chance to vent on Wednesday.

   However, during a press conference at Southern Cal to announce that he’ll join ESPN as a studio analyst, the outspoken Johnson refused to lash out at GM Marty Hurney or head coach John Fox about their decision to release him with three years on his contract. Basically he viewed it as a business decision. Hurney has said in the past that while Johnson didn’t agree with it, he certainly understood.

   Johnson did say the decision came as a surprise.

   "It never crossed my mind," Johnson said to ESPN. "It'll happen to a ton of other guys. You have to be prepared for what goes on in the National Football League. Once I was released from Carolina, it speeded up the process."