5 Panthers who should make the NFL Network’s Top 100

Carolina Panthers Player No. 5: Kawann Short (DT)

Kawann Short might have missed most of the 2019 season with a torn rotator cuff. But there is little question he remains one of the NFL’s top-100 players when healthy.

The defensive tackle is a commanding presence on the line of scrimmage. And there is no telling what sort of damage Short and No. 7 overall pick Derrick Brown are going to do on the interior next season.

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Both are space-eating forces that will make it incredibly difficult for opposing offenses to run between the tackles. This should also free up some much-needed space for the Panthers’ impressive-looking players on the edge. And this will surely enable Carolina’s front seven to become an area of real strength.

The Pro Bowler has plenty going for him providing he has rid himself of the problems that resulted in a trip to the injured reserve list in 2019. But no matter how Short performs, this could be his last season with the organization.

Short is the defenses highest earner and will count $19.46 million against the Panthers’ salary cap next season. This will skyrocket to $20.83 million during the final year of his deal. And given how Carolina has removed big-name players on large contracts this offseason. It would be jaw-dropping if the defensive lineman stuck around on this sort of money.

The player has the potential to make the NFL Network’s Top-100 players. But missing most of last season won’t help his cause.