Kawann Short, one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL, will be with the Carolina Panthers for at least the next five seasons.
The Carolina Panthers have done a nice job bolstering their defensive front this offseason, and on Monday, they made sure their biggest piece was locked up for the next five NFL seasons. Kawann Short, one of the best defensive tackles in the league, signed a five-year, $80.5 million deal with the Panthers, including $35 million guaranteed. The 28-year-old Short will be key to a Panthers defense that brought back star linebacker Julius Peppers already this offseason.
Staying on the defensive side of the ball, one veteran will likely be back in time for training camp for the Kansas City Chiefs. Derrick Johnson, who tore his Achilles tendon in a December game against the Oakland Raiders, says he will be ready to go this summer. The star linebacker will turn 35 this season, and the Chiefs have to wondering how many good seasons he has left in him at this point.
Doug Martin is only 28 years old, but some believe his best football is behind him. However, if you speak with Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht, Martin appears ready to do some more damage in 2017. Martin, who has battled injuries and off-the-field issues as of late, camp into voluntary workouts in great shape, and should play a huge role on an offense that added DeSean Jackson last month.
The Indianapolis Colts have failed to make the playoffs the last two seasons, and on Monday, fans were given a good reason why. Quarterback Andrew Luck has been battling an injury since Week 3 of the 2015 NFL season, and that is the reason he had surgery on his shoulder this past January. Luck and the Colts have a very good chance to make it back to the playoffs in 2017, as the AFC South should be wide open once again this NFL season.
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Finally, the Oakland Raiders opened up their workouts this week, and a very important player was back on the field. Star quarterback Derek Carr broke his leg in a Week 16 matchup against the Colts, effectively ending any chance the franchise had of winning their first playoff game since 2002. On Monday, Carr talked about the possible addition of running back Marshawn Lynch, to which he said, “it would be awesome.”