Per reports the Carolina Panthers are going to release defensive tackle Kawann Short. Short has played eight seasons in the NFL, all with the Panthers, after they drafted him in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He has made the Pro Bowl twice since entering the league. Short played in all 16 games in each of his first five seasons and missed only two in 2018, but he has played in only five games the last two seasons. And now Kawann Short is going to be released by the Panthers.
Kawann Short Released by Panthers, Carolina Saves Salary Cap Space
Short’s Production in Carolina
While in Carolina Short amassed 32.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries in 99 games (76 starts). But he missed significant time the last two seasons due to injuries. Short’s left shoulder had to be surgically repaired after only two games in 2019. He then injured his right shoulder last season in a game against the Atlanta Falcons while hitting quarterback Matt Ryan, which caused Short to undergo season-ending surgery. That was after he had just returned from a foot injury which caused him to miss two weeks.
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Salary Cap
Short was due to make $12.5 million in 2021. While Short still has talent, his salary cap hit would have been over $19 million for the 2021 season and given the injury issues over the last two seasons, that was too steep. By releasing Short the Panthers will save almost $9 million in cap space (there will still be around $11 million in dead cap money).
Last Word
Even though Short has gone through injury issues over the last two seasons and he turned 32 earlier in February, teams that need help at the defensive tackle position will certainly look to try to sign Short.
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