Report: Panthers beginning extension talks with Kawann Short
Another one of the NFL's rising stars may soon be rewarded with a lucrative long-term deal.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the Carolina Panthers have begun to discuss an extension with defensive tackle Kawann Short as he heads into the fourth and final year of his rookie contract.
Short, a second-round pick in 2013, earned Pro Bowl honors after flourishing in his first year working as a full-time starter.
His 11 sacks across 16 regular-season starts led all Panthers players by a wide margin, and his continued dominance in the playoffs helped Carolina to an appearance in Super Bowl 50.
The fact that the two sides are discussing a deal in advance of training camp can be taken as a positive sign for the club's chances of keeping him off the free-agent market next March.
Should negotiations stall and carry on throughout the 2016 season, the franchise tag could also come into play as a potential placeholder.