Kawann

Short

Schefter reports Short is “in discussions with a handful of teams.” Headed into his age-32 campaign, Short was cut by the only team he has ever known, Carolina, in February. Known for his leadership qualities, Short could probably still provide some decent early-down snaps along the interior.

The move, which saves Carolina $14.5 million against the cap in 2021, was widely expected after Short missed most of the past two seasons with shoulder injuries. Short, 32, should have a handful of suitors who will look to sign the veteran to a contract loaded with incentives. He signed a five-year, $80 million contract with Carolina after the 2016 season, when he was graded by Pro Football Focus as the No. 3 DT in the NFL.

Short’s shoulder surgery is to the opposite shoulder he needed season-ending surgery on last year. The 31-year-old missed two games earlier in the year with a foot issue. Short had been playing heavy snaps inside for Carolina. Even at his advanced age, this is a big loss to an already-undermanned defense. Short has one year left on his contract at $12.5 million for 2021.

Both Short and Daley are considered starters. Even defensive lineman Gross-Matos could be a significant absence for the Panthers, as the team’s already weak run defense could be shredded by Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette without anchor DL Kawann Short.

Short notched two tackles across 40 snaps in Week 1 prior to exiting. He’ll be replaced by veteran Zach Kerr with sixth-round pick Bravvion Roy rotating in. It’s an impactful absence in Carolina’s trenches only one week after the Panthers allowed Josh Jacobs to roll with 25/93/3 in the season opener.

“We have made the decision that it is in the best long-term interest of [Short] and the team that he undergo surgery to fix his shoulder and focus on his rehab and get ready for next season,” GM Marty Hurney said in a press release. Short, a two-time Pro Bowler who missed Carolina’s past two games with a partially torn rotator cuff, recorded four tackles and three quarterback hits in his two games played this year. Brian Cox was signed from the team’s practice squad as an interior replacement.

Short’s absence is great news for David Johnson and the Cardinals’ run game. The two-time Pro Bowler is a key cog in the Panthers’ defensive front. A lack of depth up front is troublesome against the Cardinals’ fast-paced offense.

Long a 4-3 base defense, the Panthers are expected to use more three-man fronts moving forward, forcing Short to play more five-technique than he has to this point in his career, but the defensive lineman is excited about the change. “It’s good for me, good for the front, good for every individual up front, even the guys outside,” Short said. “It’ll give us more freelance to go.” Coming off his lowest sack total since his rookie year, Short will have a good shot to bounce back in the new scheme.

RG Trai Turner (ankle) will also miss Sunday’s finale. Short’s absence is an upgrade for the Saints’ ground attack, though Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram aren’t expected to play much in a game that means nothing for New Orleans. Short holds PFF’s No. 8 run-stopping grade out of 111 qualifiers at defensive tackle this year.

It’s an upgrade to Tevin Coleman’s matchup. Short is Carolina’s best defensive lineman by far. The rest of the Panthers’ inactives are CB Lorenzo Doss, WR Mose Frazier, DE Marquis Haynes, RB Travaris Cadet, TE Jason Vander Laan, and of course QB Cam Newton (shoulder).