The Carolina Panthers signed Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kawann Short to a hefty extension Monday. The deal is reportedly for five years and $80.5 million with over half of the contract guaranteed, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
Details on #Panthers DT Kawann Short’s monster deal: 5 years, $80.5M. $35M fully guaranteed at signing. $45M in total guarantees. 💰💰
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 17, 2017
The Panthers placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Short in February. That means that if the 300-pounder could have decided to not sign his $13 million tender and leave Carolina. It’s a moot point now with Short’s deal that makes him the third-highest paid defensive tackle in the league.
Carolina and Short had been negotiating an extension for over a year now. Short even briefly held out of last summer’s OTA workouts while a dispute between the two sides was worked out. Short was reportedly aiming for about $17 million per year in last offseason’s talks and he settled for $16 million this offseason.
Short was elected to the Pro Bowl in 2015 after a career year. The Purdue product recorded 11 sacks and 36 tackles. Short was also able to jar the ball loose, forcing three fumbles. His production dropped in 2016, as he only recorded six sacks and 30 tackles. The Panthers also dropped as they finished 6-10 after reaching the Super Bowl the year prior.
https://twitter.com/Kroeger/status/853985503498076160
It looks like the Panthers want to hold on to their defensive talent now. A year ago, All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman walked away from the Panthers after failing to reach a long-term agreement. After Norman achieved his best season as a pro, the sides failed to reach a long-term deal. The defensive back subsequently signed a five-year, $75 million with the Washington Redskins. Norman’s absence was evident last season with the Panthers letting up the fourth-most passing yards in the league.
