Short Gets Big Contract Extension

The Carolina Panthers are out to reverse this past season’s 6-10 record. One of the things they missed from their NFC championship in 2015 was cornerback Josh Norman. They didn’t want to make the same mistake twice. On Monday, they signed defensive tackle Kawann Short to a five-year contract extension worth $80 million. It’s believed that $50 million of the contract is guaranteed.

The Panthers had placed the franchise tag on Short and had until July 15 to sign him to an extension. Short was willing to play with the franchise tag, making it clear he wanted to remain in Carolina. The Panthers could have taken their time, but getting the deal signed now is huge. Not only does it show the team was not about to repeat last year’s mistake, it came before the draft. Last year the Panthers used three of their first four picks on cornerbacks. They can now draft the best available player on offense or defense.

The move is also expected to go over well with the players. Many were upset Norman was let go last season and this move should appease them. It was also big for General Manager Dave Gettleman to get the deal done.

Short didn’t waste any time getting to the weight room after signing his extension. He told ESPN he missed some workout time in the morning and wanted to make it up.

Short wanted to remain the Panthers, who drafted him in the second round of the 2013 draft.

“From day one they believed in me,” Short said. “I had plenty of teams pass me up. Just to be able to commit to somebody who committed to me – you can’t ask for anything better.”

Carolina coach Ron Rivera said Short was too good of a player and a person to let go.

“He’s everything we’re looking for in a Panther,” he said.