Kawann Short

Panthers may apply franchise tag to Kawann Short

The Carolina Panthers will keep the franchise tag a possibility for impending free agent defensive tackle Kawann Short, ESPN reporter David Newton considers.

What It Means:

2013 first-rounder Star Lotulelei is also heading into the final year of his deal and will also be looking for a long-term contract. 2016 first-round rookie Vernon Butler may be ready to step up, but could use another year of development. Letting Short walk isn't out of the realm of possibilities for general manager David Gettleman in a deep draft class. Short is expected to ask for $17-19 million annually on a new contract.

While 2016 was a down year for the Carolina defense, they still ranked 13th in opponent-adjusted Defensive Rushing Net Expected Points per play.