Report: Kawann Short, 2-Time Pro Bowler, Released After 8 Seasons with Panthers

The Carolina Panthers are reportedly releasing veteran defensive tackle Kawann Short after eight seasons with the team.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Short's release, which is expected to be made official later Tuesday. The move will save the Panthers $8.6 million on their 2021 salary cap.

Short, 32, has played in only five games the last two seasons due to shoulder injuries. He was headed into the final season of a five-year, $80.5 million contract, and Short seemed to understand the writing was on the wall for his departure. 

"It's a business, so I understand. I take it with a grain of salt if they don't or if they do," Short told reporters. "I'm still going to continue to do what I need to do to put myself in a position to play next year. We all grown here, so it is what it is. This is a 'what can you do for me now?' type of business. So for me to have an injury back-to-back puts that hint in your head where you wonder if they want you or not."

Short has spent his entire career in Carolina after being a second-round pick in 2013. He made the Pro Bowl in 2015 and 2018, emerging as one of the best interior pass-rushers in football.

However, it's unclear how much Short has left in the tank because of his injury issues. Short was largely ineffective during his three-game stint in 2020, recording six tackles and failing to record a sack. His last NFL sack was Dec. 2, 2018, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Short will find a market of interested teams but will likely have to settle for a short-term deal to prove himself capable of staying healthy.