4 Panthers players who could be sacrificed to land Deshaun Watson
By Dean Jones
Kawann Short – Carolina Panthers DT
This would be a salary dump and nothing more. But if Kawann Short makes a return to full health in time for the 2021 season, he might be a shock inclusion regarding any trade package.
It remains to be seen whether the new Texans head coach keeps their 3-4 base scheme moving forward. But this is a position in which Short has thrived during his time with the Carolina Panthers and given the rocky start rookie Ross Blacklock has made to life at the next level, he may need a little more time to adjust.
That’s where Short comes in.
Although, again, it’s a tough sell.
The former Pro Bowler is set to count $20.83 million against Carolina’s salary-cap next season. This won’t go unnoticed by the Texans, who know that if they really wanted Short then all they’d have to do is wait until he’s eventually released.
It’s going to take a monumental offer of players and draft picks for the Texans to even consider parting ways with their franchise quarterback.
No matter how unhappy Deshaun Watson appears to be.
Short has been a fantastic servant to the Panthers. But he has only played five games over the last two years and can no longer be relied upon from a health perspective.
That might all change in a different environment, even if Carolina needs to add plenty of other pieces into the mix in a bid to secure Watson in time for the 2021 season.