3 reasons why the Carolina Panthers should trade Kawann Short

Kawann Short’s contract

The Carolina Panthers are probably going to release Kawann Short following the season due to his contract, so getting something in return for the Pro Bowler might be the smart way to go at this juncture.

Short is set to count a whopping $20.83 million against Carolina’s salary cap in 2021. This is an astronomical figure for a player who might be past the peak of his powers and it would be a huge shock if the Panthers kept him around with this sort of financial commitment.

They are still going to be paying Short, either way. Cutting him next spring would save them around $9 million and the same sort of figure would apply if they traded him for a draft pick. This makes it a realistic option and removing the former second-round selection from the equation is not as outlandish as one might suspect.

Let’s face it, the Panthers are playing for nothing but respectability, although there were some encouraging signs at the Chargers. Short might be a little long in the tooth, but contending teams looking for an additional presence on the line of scrimmage would sure to be interested providing the price is right.

Short will have to prove his health to any would-be suitor. But it is unlikely that the player would turn down an opportunity to rid himself of the Panthers’ rebuilding phase and put himself in a position to make his presence felt with a playoff contender.