6 free-agent defensive tackles the Vikings could sign in 2021
By Dean Jones
Kawann Short
The Carolina Panthers parted ways with Kawann Short to acquire an extra $9.82 million in salary-cap that will be better spent elsewhere. There is no doubting the former second-round pick’s credentials when healthy, but the Pro Bowler has featured in just five games in two seasons and didn’t justify the $20.83 million coming his way in 2021.
Short should have a large queue of suitors in free agency. The defensive tackle is probably looking for the best fit rather than a big financial sum after receiving an $11 million payoff to leave Carolina with one-year remaining on his deal and getting him to the Minnesota Vikings could be classed as a coup with some extremely high upside.
Convincing Short will be the easy part. How the Vikings keep the player healthy is a far more difficult proposition.
If Minnesota could do this and the price is right, then Short would end up being a positive signing and one that could instantly transform their fortunes stopping the run and generating pressure from the interior.
There should be plenty of interest in Short, and the Panthers are reportedly willing to bring him back on a reduced deal if he cannot find a new home in free agency.