The Carolina Panthers are releasing two-time, Pro-Bowl Defensive Tackle Kawann Short.
Short has been with the Panthers since they drafted him in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Purdue. In April of 2017, Short signed a 5 year, $80 million dollar deal with the Panthers. Now, in February of 2021, with new management in the front office, the Panthers will cut him rather than finding a deal for a team in need to take on Short's contract in a trade. Short being a dominant force for the Carolina Panthers, when healthy was a fun player to watch. However, being healthy was probably a big reason for letting the defensive tackle go.
KK Short's time in Carolina came to an end with a combination of new front office, and most notably, injury. Short's injuries first came into play in 2018 where he missed two games. Then the following year in 2019 and 2020, Short only suited up for 5 total games. Although the former pro-bowler may be getting on the right track to health, he's not getting any younger.
However, Short played in 99 total games accounting for 268 total tackles, 32.5 sacks, and 12 pass deflections. Short was a member of one of the best defenses in franchise history in 2015 that made it to the Super Bowl. In that year, Short totaled 11 sacks and 55 tackles.
With KK Short's previous dominance in Carolina, it's almost guaranteed that someone in the market for an inside presence on the defensive line will get him in a hurry. Don't be surprised if Buffalo or Washington scoop up KK Short for the 2021 NFL season.