Should the Carolina Panthers extend Kawann Short or let him walk in 2017?

As the offseason approaches and free agency draws closer, we will make the case for and against signing each Carolina Panthers free agent. In the first of a new series, we examine the case of Kawann Short. Should he stay or go in 2017?

RE-SIGN:

Short is a stud defensive lineman. He saw his sack numbers dip this season, but his play was of similar form to what we saw from All-Pro players in terms of havoc created. Short brings disruption and in most cases demands a double team from opposing offenses. He is only 27 years old exiting his rookie contract. Short still has time to increase his production over that of the past two years and be even more of a force.

The Panthers have some depth on the interior but towards the end of the season began to line Short up on the edge to experiment with his versatility. It ended up working well in limited snaps. He will likely not move to the edge, but if he can get a few snaps each game it helps the depth at both defensive line positions.

Short will create a strong market and cost a pretty penny, but the Panthers have a lot of cap space

this offseason. In passing on Josh Norman, the sentiment was felt that Carolina is more focused on re-signing stars on the defensive front rather than in the secondary. It is time to show that sentiment by re-signing Short.

LET WALK:

The Panthers essentially drafted Short’s replacement in the first-round last season. While Vernon Butler dealt with an injury, Short and the Panthers were not necessarily talking extension when the Panthers drafted a defensive tackle in the first round. That alone could be a telling sign in how confident they are in extending Short.

Star Lotulelei is a free agent in 2018 and at a cheaper price tag the Panthers may be looking to extend him. Starting Lotulelei next to Butler would avoid a log jam of talent and force Short to take a few snaps on the edge if retained.

Defensive line depth is great, but having so much invested in three interior linemen with holes elsewhere on the roster seems like overkill. Short could ultimately be considered a luxury, not a need, and the Panthers could use the money spent on him to fill holes on the edge, offensive line, or with skill position players.