Minutes after Arizona tagged Chandler Jones, the Carolina Panthers followed suit and franchised pro bowl defensive tackle Kawaan Short. ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the transaction.
And now, Panthers officially have tagged Kawann Short, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 27, 2017
This move has seemed inevitable for quite some time after head coach Ron Rivera said that he envisioned the team placing the tag on Short. He will play the 2017 season under a one-year deal worth $13.468 million unless the two parties strike a long-term deal.
Short becomes the 2nd player to get hit with the franchise tag this offseason. Others are also expected to get franchised this offseason. Pro Football Focus graded Kawaan Short as the 3rd best defensive tackle this past season with an overall grade of 87.7 ranking only behind Aaron Donald and Calais Campbell.
Carolina has been busy this offseason retaining defensive end Mario Addison yesterday. The Panthers can now focus on a long-term deal with Short that may cost them around $15 million per year.
