Should the Panthers restructure Kawann Short’s contract?

Should the Carolina Panthers consider restructuring Kawann Short ahead of the new season?

The Carolina Panthers need to free up some funds in the coming weeks. They currently have just $255,000 to work with following the free-agent signing of cornerback Eli Apple.

While this strengthened an area of need. It all-but maxed out their salary cap and the Carolina Panthers have only signed No. 7 overall selection Derrick Brown from their NFL Draft picks so far.

There is also the potential for the franchise to bring in some veteran players to compete during camp. And this further complicates their current financial predicament.

With so many big earners already shipped out during a frenzied period of activity from the organization. They will have to bold with any further decisions in the coming weeks. But the decision-makers should also be mindful of compromising their long-term aspirations.

It is a difficult situation for the likes of head coach Matt Rhule and general manager Marty Hurney to resolve. Although the Panthers’ salary cap situation looks far rosier in 2021. That will offer them no real comfort during what is a pivotal period for the franchise.

One of the ways they could look to save some money is by restructuring the contract of veteran defensive tackle Kawann Short. The Pro Bowler is the team’s highest earner by a considerable margin and will count an eye-watering $19.46 million against the cap in 2020.

This will increase to a whopping $20.83 million in 2021. And this is not really a sustainable figure for the Panthers moving forward. Short is expected to make a full recovery from a torn rotator cuff injury that ended his season prematurely in October. But whether this is enough to make this sort of move is another matter entirely.

Should the Carolina Panthers restructure Kawann Short’s contract?

The Carolina Panthers face a dilemma if they are looking to enter discussions with Kawann Short regarding a potential restructuring. This would likely involve a longer-term deal for the player. But he is 31-years-old now and may not be able to perform to the level he was once capable of.

The last thing the organization need is a veteran on money that his production no longer commands. They moved on from plenty of roster members that fitted into this particular category this offseason. And falling into the same trap would have a detrimental impact on their chances of going forward.

Much will depend on much money the Panthers can free up elsewhere. There are some players who immediately stick out as prime players for release given their salary compared to overall influence. So restructuring Short should be seen as a last resort before competitive action gets underway.

If the player gives a good account of himself during the first few weeks of the season. Then the likelihood of Short being extended becomes more likely. This does not help the organization out relating to their immediate financial woes. However, any decision they come to regarding the interior lineman is going to be something of a gamble.

This is another intriguing element to what is going to be a fascinating few weeks for the Panthers as they prepare to return to team facilities. Short’s partnership with Brown has the potential to transform Carolina’s run defense in 2020. And how the duo work as a tandem from the outset is going to be crucial.

Short will be raring to go after suffering injury frustrations last season. But his long-term future with the franchise is still very much up in the air.