5 former Carolina Panthers draft picks who could be done in the NFL

Kawann Short – Former Carolina Panthers DT

There is no denying that Kawann Short was one of the best defensive tackles in the business once upon a time. The former second-round pick was a relentless force on the interior at the peak of his powers, something that saw him become an indispensable member of the Carolina Panthers and play a leading role in their memorable 2015 campaign that almost ended with an elusive first Super Bowl success.

Short’s time with the team was hindered late on by injuries. Something that was a real blow at a time when his presence was needed more than ever.

Shoulder and other problems restricted Short to just five games over his final two seasons in Carolina. This left the organization with no option other than to make the lineman a salary-cap casualty in 2021 with one year remaining on his deal.

Although there was interest in Short from elsewhere, it was a surprise to see the Purdue product not get another chance. He made enough money during his time in the league to live extremely comfortably, so maybe it was a case of the fit not being right and opting for opportunities away from the game, instead.

Short recently visited the Panthers during their voluntary OTAs and spoke in front of the team. He certainly looked a peace with not having to strap it up and get into trench warfare, so it would be a shock if we ever saw the two-time Pro Bowler again.