Kawann Short has the most respected Panthers defender on his side of the negotiation table.
Carolina linebacker Thomas Davis says the Panthers' front office understands how valuable Short is to the franchise as the defensive tackle continues to try to hammer out a long-term extension.
"The way the league is right now (salaries) are slotted for players. You're expected to get a certain (number) based on what you've done and what the guys before you have done," Davis told The Charlotte Observer. "So I'm pretty sure that Mr. Gettleman is a smart man, and he's proven that. And I'm pretty sure they'll come to an agreement and he'll get something worked out. He knows how valuable KK Short is to our football team."
Short, 27, is entering the final year of his rookie deal and his production on the field should earn him a big pay raise once he signs a new contract. The D-lineman wants to sign a deal in the same ballpark to the six-year, $102.6 million contract Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox just received. Whether he signs that type of contract with the Panthers remains to be seen.
Around The NFL ranked Carolina's defensive line as the fifth best in the NFL, and the fourth-year player in a major reason why.
The Panthers have already seen a Pro Bowl player in Josh Norman walk away. Norman signed a five-year, $75 million deal with the Washington Redskins two days after the Panthers pulled their franchise tag on him. Davis does not want to lose another impact player due to failed contract negotiations.
