4 players the Panthers might consider trading before Week 1

Kawann Short – DT

This could be the final season that we see Kawann Short play for the Carolina Panthers. The defensive tackle has made a return to full health following a torn rotator cuff injury. And big things are expected of the veteran alongside No. 7 overall selection Derrick Brown.

Short is comfortably the team’s highest earner in 2019. He will command a base salary of $12.5 million in 2020. And his cap hit with the Panthers stands at an eye-watering $19.46 million.

If a contending team is looking for an interior lineman to further assist their chances of achieving a Super Bowl, then Short is a name to strongly consider. The player is coming with a $20.83 million cap hit in 2021. So if the Panthers want to get something in return for the former second-round pick, then now is the time.

Having Short around to assist Brown during the early stages of his development might be worth more than any mid-round draft selection. The Auburn product is going to be passed the torch by the Pro Bowler sooner rather than later. And having such a dependable presence alongside him during his rookie year is a significant security blanket to have.

That being said, if the Panthers were to receive a considerable offer that might further boost their current rebuild. The Short’s immediate future with the franchise might not be so clear-cut.