Panthers: 3 potential replacements for Kawann Short in 2021
By Dean Jones
player. DT. CHICAGO BEARS. ROYROBERTSON-HARRIS. 57. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 1
Panthers Player No. 1: Roy Robertson-Harris (2021 free agent)
The Carolina Panthers could have polenty of financial resources available to them in 2021. This will make them prominent players during free agency, which was something they couldn’t do this offseason.
This is down in no small part to their incredible dead cap figure, which is comfortably the NFL’s highest at $41.11 milion, according to Spotrac. Providing the Panthers can make themselves an attractive destination for free agents next spring, then they should be able to bring in the right sort of quality to speed up their rebuild under Matt Rhule.
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One option that warrants consideration for a potential replacement for Kawann Short is Roy Robertson-Harris. The Chicago Bears defensive tackle has risen from an undrafted prospect to a capable starter in the NFL. And he represents an intriguing option if Carolina decides to move on from Short after the season.
Robertson-Harris has the sort of versatility that the Panthers’ coaching staff has coveted with almost all of their new recruits. He can play on the interior or as a defensive end if needed. And his 6-foot-7 frame is physically imposing at either position on the line of scrimmage.
The player has achieved 65 combined tackles, 40 solo tackles, 7.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, six pass deflections, and 25 quarterback hits over his three-year career to date. Robertson-Harris was on the field for just over 50 percent of the Bears’ defensive snaps in 2019. And his production was enough to earn him a one-year extension that could be worth $3.25 million.
Spotrac projects Robertson-Harris to command an annual salary of $8.2 million on a three-year, $24.76 million contract next spring. This is something that the Panthers could easily do if the player becomes someone of interest.