Two-time Pro Bowl DT Kawann Short drawing interest after release from Panthers

As had been expected since the end of the regular season, the Carolina Panthers released veteran defensive tackle Kawann Short last week following a pair of disappointing campaigns cut far too short by injuries. 

The two-time Pro Bowler told SiriusXM NFL Radio that he's already been contacted by would-be suitors. 

"We had a few teams reach out, but none set in stone," Short explained, per Kevin Patra of the league's official website. "We're really trying to narrow it down to see what's the best fit for me, the best fit for my family." 

Short recorded 32.5 career sacks from 2013 through 2018 and made Pro Bowl squads in 2015 and 2018. He missed the final 14 games of the 2019 season, though, because of a partially torn rotator cuff, and he then underwent season-ending shoulder surgery last October after appearing in only three contests. 

The Panthers reportedly saved $8.6 million in salary-cap space by cutting the 32-year-old. 

Short told SiriusXM he felt it was "respectful" of Carolina to release him so early in the process so he could test the free-agency market before the new NFL year opens next month. He added that he understands he'll have to put pen to paper on a "prove-it deal" because of his age, his injury history, and the league's decreased salary cap for 2021 caused by financial restrictions and hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic.