5 roster moves that could instantly save the Panthers $26 million
By Dean Jones
Release Kawann Short
- Cap saving – $9.82 million
Kawann Short has been a fantastic servant to the Carolina Panthers from the moment he entered the league as a second-round pick out of Purdue in 2013. However, there is no room for sentiment when it comes to building a competitive roster and there is an extremely high likelihood that the defensive tackle will be moved on this offseason.
The veteran Pro Bowler has played just five games in two seasons due to various injury problems. This was equally as frustrating for Short as it was for the Panthers, who were excited to see what a partnership on the interior alongside No. 7 overall selection Derrick Brown could do for their fortunes.
This isn’t the way Short wanted to go out.
But the financial ramifications involved are severe.
He is set to count an astronomical $20.83 million against Carolina’s salary-cap, which would save the Panthers $9.82 million if he is released ahead of time. This is a no brainer whichever way one looks at it and is even more of a necessity given that financial resources available aren’t what anybody expected.
Short could go and make a real difference on another team providing there are no further complications. And he owes the Panthers nothing after a sensational eight-year spell with the team.