CHARLOTTE – Kawann Short has been in the NFL long enough to realize what happens to guys as they get older, get injured and get expensive.
The Panthers announced the veteran defensive attack on Tuesday and begin the clearance process.
They will save $ 8.6 million in space with the move, which comes in handy. As the salary limit for 2021 will drop from $ 198.2 million to $ 175 million (although it may rise slightly in the coming weeks), every dollar will count this off-season.
It was an expected move, and Short seems to realize it and at the end of the season explain that he knows his combination of age, recent injuries and finances probably makes it.
“We’re all big here. So you know what it is,” Short said the day after the season. “It’s a ‘what can you do for me now’, so having back-to-back injuries definitely puts it in your head, whether the team wants you or not.”
The 32-year-old Short has played in just five games over the past two seasons due to shoulder problems and had the second highest number in the rankings for 2021, making the move inevitable.
When he was healthy, he was a steady producer for the Panthers with 32.5 sacks in his first six seasons. And they will clearly need to find someone who can do well what he has done, as coaches have identified adding a three-technique defense package as a priority.
The converted defensive end Efe Obada was useful there last season, second in the team with 5.5 pockets, but they would like to find a productive starter to use him as a reserve.
SHORT STATISTICS
- Since 2013, his 32.5 bags are tied for sixth place among all NFL defenses.
- In 2015, he scored 11.0 sacks, which was tied for the NFL lead under defensive tackles … Had four games in 2015 with two or more sacks, the second most in the NFL.
- Ranks seventh in franchise history with 32.5 career bags, most by a defensive suit.
- Leading the Panthers in 2015 with a career high of 11.0, mostly through a defensive tackle in team history.
- Pro Bowl (2018, 2015)
- AP All-Pro Second Team (2015)
- PFWA All-NFC (2015)
- PFWA All-Rookie (2013)
NFC Defensive Player of the Month (2015: October, December) - NFC Defensive Player of the Week (2015: Week 6)