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Panthers use franchise tag on Kawann Short

Bob Donnan / USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers have placed their franchise tag on defensive tackle Kawann Short.

The team is doing its best to keep its defensive line intact, retaining Short on a one-year contract after locking up pending free-agent defensive ends Mario Addison and Wes Horton.

Short was a force for the Panthers in 2015, the year they made a Super Bowl appearance, racking up 55 total tackles, 11 sacks, and three forced fumbles. Carolina experienced a down year in 2016, but Short contributed with another 55 tackles and six sacks.

The Panthers placed the non-exclusive tag on Short, so the 28-year-old can continue to negotiate with other teams, but Carolina can match any offer and would be awarded two first-round draft picks if Short signs elsewhere.

If Carolina wishes to re-sign all members of their defensive line, all that remains are defensive end Charles Johnson and tackle Kyle Love.

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