Dec 11, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) applies pressure to San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Photo Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive tackle Kawann Short signed a five-year contract with the Carolina Panthers worth $80 million.
The Panthers kept Short from free agency with the non-exclusive franchise tag on Feb. 27, but coach Ron Rivera called him one of the team’s most important players and “too valuable to lose.”
Short, second-round pick in 2013 out of Purdue, has 22 career sacks.
“KK has been very important to what we’ve been able to accomplish on defense,” general manager Dave Gettleman said. “In 2013, when we drafted KK, I thought he was the best pass-rushing defensive tackle in the Draft, and he’s been able to develop into one of the top young defensive tackles in the NFL. Off the field, KK is a top-notch young man and great representative of our team. I’m absolutely thrilled that we were able to get this deal done.”
