Panthers Release Pro Bowl DT Kawann Short

Kawann Short. Photo by Jason Pohuski/CSM/Shutterstock (9839371h)

The Carolina Panthers have released Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kawann Short. The team made the move official on Tuesday, announcing the news on their social media.

By releasing Short, Panthers saved around $8.6 million in cap space. The 32-year-old player had one year left on the five-year, $80 million contract he signed back in 2017 and was set to have the second-highest cap number on the roster with $20.8 million.

It was an expected move as Short struggled to stay on the field in recent seasons. He only managed to play five games in the past two years while dealing with a shoulder injury.

Short himself expected this scenario, saying at the end of the season that he doesn’t expect to be back with the franchise in 2021.

“We’re all grown here. So you know what it is,” said Short. “This is a ‘what can you do for me now’ business, so for me to have injuries back to back, it definitely put that in your head, whether the team wants you or not.”

Before the injuries got to him, Kawann Short was a reliable piece on the defense for the Carolina Panthers. Between 2013 and 2018, Short racked up 32.5 sacks and 270 tackles while adding 88 QB hits and nine forced fumbles. He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice and has one All-Pro nod.

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