The Carolina Panthers announced on their website today that they have placed the non-exclusive rights franchise tag on defensive tackle Kawann Short. This is a move that has been anticipated for awhile now, and still gives the team time to work out a long term deal without Short becoming a free agent.
The non-exclusive rights part means that KK can still receive an offer sheet from any team in the league once free agency begins. The Panthers can then elect to match that offer, and if they do not, the team that signs him will have to give up two first round picks to the Panthers.