4 good landing spots for Kawann Short after Panthers release
By Dean Jones
What are the best landing spots for Kawann Short after he was released by the Carolina Panthers?
It was probably inevitable, but the Carolina Panthers released one of their greatest-ever defensive players this week when Kawann Short‘s contract finished ahead of time to save the organization almost $10 million in salary-cap space. Considering the veteran Pro Bowler featured in just five games over the last two seasons, he cannot have any complaints and may even welcome the prospect of a fresh challenge elsewhere.
The Panthers proved they can be a productive defensive front without Short last season, which made the decision to part ways with the former second-round pick even easier to a certain extent. He was an exceptional performer during his time with the franchise, even though a couple of early season-ending surgeries limited his production in recent years.
Short’s career stats during his time with Carolina were outstanding.
- 99 games played (76 starts)
- 280 tackles
- 32.5 sacks
- 59 tackles for loss
- 88 quarterback hits
- 9 forced fumbles
- 12 passes defended
- 91.3 career PFF grade
Outstanding production from a player who was one of the best in the business once upon a time.
However, this is a new era in Carolina and one that Short will no longer be a part of. There is a slim chance he comes back on a reduced salary. But there will be plenty of teams making him an offer in the hope he can put his recent problems staying healthy behind him.
With this in mind, here are four good landing spots for Short following his release by the Panthers.
Team No. 1
Washington Football Team
What better place for Kawann Short to get a new start than reuniting with his former head Ron Rivera with the Washington Football Team. The defensive tackle played his best football under the popular figure that almost came with an elusive first Super Bowl for the Carolina Panthers and there wouldn’t be a great deal of pressure on him given the overall strength of their defensive line.
This move makes a ton of sense. Washington doesn’t seem to be that far away from being a legitimate contender and bringing in someone with the experience and game-changing ability of Short would enable their defense to thrive even further.
Much will depend on what sort of money Short is looking for. But considering he just got a payoff of more than $11 million from the Panthers, the player is probably looking for the right fit rather than another payday.