4 Panthers free agents who could still re-sign with the team
By Dean Jones
Kawann Short – Former Carolina Panthers DT
Releasing Kawann Short was one of the easiest decisions made by the Carolina Panthers this offseason. The defensive tackle was a key contributor to the team’s success during his time with the franchise. But playing just five games over the last two seasons and the financial savings involved made it a no-brainer.
The team did express an interest in bringing Short back on a friendlier contract more in keeping with the questions surrounding his health. This has not come to fruition as yet, with the Pro Bowler biding his time despite saying there had been a few calls come his way from other interested parties.
However, the Panthers also removed Zach Kerr from the roster with one year remaining on his deal, which was a big shock considering how well he performed on a rotational basis. This leaves Carolina looking for reinforcements to put alongside Derrick Brown and sixth-round pick Bravvion Roy on the depth chart and Short would provide stability and familiarity with the system if the price is right.
Much will depend on where Carolina addresses this need in the draft, which they need to do. But if there isn’t much pressure on Short’s shoulders, it might result in something of a renaissance for a player that has had a hard time of it lately.