Carolina Panthers: 5 players who need a full season in 2020

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

Big things are expected of defensive tackle Kawann Short in 2020. The veteran Pro Bowler is set to make a full return to health after missing most of last season with a torn rotator cuff. And his presence on the line of scrimmage is going to be a massive plus for the organization.

Not only will Short be tasked with coming up with the goods on the field. But he is also going to provide a strong role model for No. 7 overall pick Derrick Brown during the initial stages of his development.

If the NFL season doesn’t make it to the finish line, then this represents a potential problem for Short. It doesn’t appear likely that the Carolina Panthers will keep him around with a cap hit of $20.83 million in 2021. And if the defensive lineman doesn’t get a chance to prove he is back to the player of old after such a serious injury, then it is going to hurt his stock considerably next spring.

Short does have a strong career to fall back on if he is looking for a new team to call his own next spring. There is also the prospect of a possible restructure of his contract in Carolina if this is something that could end up being mutually beneficial for both parties.

Although he one of the league’s best at the position when firing on all cylinders. Short still has plenty of questions to answer in 2020. And not having a full schedule would cast further doubt over his future with the Panthers.