4 Panthers players who could be traded before the 2020 deadline

Kawann Short – Carolina Panthers DT

Kawann Short is almost certainly living on borrowed time with the Carolina Panthers. He will count $20.82 million against the salary cap in 2021 and given that financial resources might be reduced due to the impact of COVID-19 on league revenue, the chances of him staying around are minimal.

This is not the most ideal scenario for the Panthers. But it is one that they brought on themselves when they gave Short a five-year, $80.5 million deal that included a $25 million signing bonus and $35 million guaranteed.

Cutting the Pro Bowler next spring would save them around $9 million, which already looks too tempting to turn down. However, if they feel like they can get something for Short in the trade market prior to the deadline, the organization would be foolish not to at least listen to offers.

Short still has enough left in the tank to make a contribution elsewhere. Staying healthy has been a real concern for the player of late, with the former second-round pick already missing two games in 2020 after missing most of last season with a torn rotator cuff.

Getting another team to take on Short’s huge deal in this sort of climate is a tough sell, especially if they aren’t guaranteed a consistent run of games. But that doesn’t mean it is not entirely out of the realms of possibility.