Panthers: 4 opt-outs that would guarantee Trevor Lawrence in 2021

Carolina Panthers Player No. 4: Kawann Short (DT)

The Carolina Panthers run defense was abysmal last season. This was primarily down to the fact veteran defensive tackle Kawann Short went on the injured reserve list early on with a torn rotator cuff. And if the Pro Bowler decides to opt-out, then they could struggle again to stop opposing backs.

The organization did draft Derrick Brown with the No. 7 overall pick. But he will need Short alongside him in 2020 while the former Auburn standout adjusts to the rigors of NFL life.

Short has plenty to prove going into the season. But he has earned $56.63 million from his career to date. So the money will not come into the equation when the lineman makes his decision.

One only has to look back at the 2019 season to see just how much the Panthers still need Short. He is a dominant force on the interior that can wreak havoc on any given down. And not having him around during the critical first year of Matt Rhule’s reign would be devastating.

Carolina is coming up against some elite offenses in 2020. And they will need every defensive player firing on all cylinders.

Short has more responsibility on his shoulders than most. And he will need to perform well as the player might be looking for a new team to call home next spring.