By Jordan Long
On Monday, the Carolina Panthers decided to sign Kawann Short to a new deal. The Panthers originally placed the franchise tag on him. They had until July 15 to finalize a deal for a long-term contract. The agreement is for 5 years, worth $80 million. It will keep Short in Carolina until the 2021 season.
Short is one of the top defensive tackles for the Carolina Panthers. He has played all of his 4 NFL seasons with them. In that time Short has made his name by sacking the quarterback with a total of 22. He can also stop the opponent’s running game and tackle in the open field with 180. Short is able to turn the football over with 6 forced fumbles while recovering 5 of them.
The Panthers needed to keep him because of how valuable he is to the defense. According to ESPN.com, Short said, “I knew it wasn’t going to turn it out like [Norman’s situation] because I knew I was either going to sign the [franchise] tender or get an extension. That whole Josh Norman situation, that is still my guy and I talk to him a lot, but I knew it wasn’t going to go that route.”
The Panthers are going to be one of the top defensive lines with this move. Short gives them a player who will continue to put pressure on the quarterback. Opposing quarterbacks must pay attention to where he is on the line. They can not run a play towards his direction. If they do it may end up in a loss of yards or a sack. Teams will need to double team Short to protect the quarterback. He can change a game with one sack.
The Panthers have to be excited to get this deal done. They won’t need to worry about him leaving during free agency. The Panthers can now focus on the upcoming draft to improve this team.
What do you think of the Carolina Panthers reaching a long-term contract with Kawann Short?
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