Panthers: 3 potential Pac-12 opt-out replacements for Kawann Short

We picked out three potential Pac-12 opt-outs that could become a long-term successor for Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short.

The Carolina Panthers will be looking for a long-term replacement for Kawann Short in 2021. While the Pro Bowler was still performing at a high level before a torn rotator cuff ended his season early last time out. His astronomical salary cap hit next year is not feasible for the organization to sustain in the current climate.

Short is set to count an eye-popping $20.83 million against the Carolina Panthers cap next season. With the sum available set to come down considerably thanks to a lack of revenue. It seems highly likely that the defensive tackle will be moved on unless a restructure can be agreed upon.

This is an important area of the field that is sure to take high priority again either in free agency or the 2021 NFL Draft. The latter might be a more realistic option given the financial implications that come with attracting a big-name free agent. And there are plenty of intriguing prospects set to try their hand in a professional environment next year.

Whether a college football season will take place in 2020 is another matter entirely. The Pac-12 players came together to release a powerful statement via The Players Tribune that threatened a possible boycott in safety measures are not increased before their expected return to the field.

What sort of impact this would have on incoming recruits to the NFL will vary depending on experience and the sort of film each player has managed to put together. This is an uncertain time across all sports. And the ramifications will be significant.

Here are three potential replacements for Short in 2021 that may opt-out as part of the Pac-12 statement.