Should the Buffalo Bills sign defensive tackle Kawann Short?

Should the Buffalo Bills sign free agent DT Kawann Short before training camp?

Since Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane have joined the Buffalo Bills, there has been a long list of former Carolina Panthers that have been signed or traded for. The additions of these players have come with varying levels of success from great moves, like signing Daryl Williams, to not-so-great moves, like signing Mario Addison, to the moves fans would just want to forget, like trading for Kelvin Benjamin.

The thought process of adding former Panthers certainly makes sense because the Bills are adding players who know Sean McDermott, and for defensive players, have a good understanding of the scheme.

With training camp quickly approaching, one player that could be on their radar is defensive tackle Kawann Short. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Short has been cleared after shoulder surgery last season and is ready. He has reportedly already talked to a few teams and based on McDermott and Beane’s track record it would make sense that the Buffalo Bills was one of those teams.

Kawann Short could be good veteran depth at the position for the Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills did release defensive tackle Nazair Jones last week and while they didn’t necessarily need it to create a roster spot it does cut down the number of defensive tackles on the roster down to eight.

The one reason that the Bills signing Short makes sense is they don’t have a true backup to Ed Oliver as the three-technique. The coaching staff likes to rotate their defensive linemen frequently and if Oliver plays around 55% of the defensive snaps (he has played 54% his first two years) a veteran like Short playing the remaining snaps can be a boost for this defensive line.

Short also knows a number of players on this defensive line from his time in Carolina. If he were to join the Bills he would be reunited with Star Lotulelei, who was drafted by the Panthers in the same year as Short, as well as defensive ends Mario Addison and Efe Obada. He would also play for Eric Washington, who was defensive line coach and defensive coordinator at times during Short’s tenure in Carolina.

The biggest question for Kawann Short is if he can remain healthy as he has played only five games total in the past two seasons. However, if he proves to be fully recovered he could be a good veteran addition this close to the start of the 2021 season.