Tuesday 18 April 2017 17:56, UK
Standout defensive tackle Kawann Short will not play under a franchise tag in 2017 after agreeing a five-year $80m deal with the Carolina Panthers.
Short has piled up 17 sacks over the last two seasons, ranking third in his position, and he is yet to miss a game in his four-year career since being drafted in the second round in 2013 out of Purdue.
The 28-year-old was voted into the Pro Bowl in 2015 when he played a big part in helping the Panthers reach Super Bowl 50.
He had a slow start last season but did manage six sacks and the Panthers placed the franchise tag on him back in February.
"KK has been very important to what we've been able to accomplish on defence," Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman said.
""In 2013, when we drafted KK, I thought he was the best pass-rushing defensive tackle in the draft, and he's been able to develop into one of the top young defensive tackles in the NFL.
"Off the field, KK is a top-notch young man and great representative of our team. I'm absolutely thrilled that we were able to get this deal done."
