4 dream replacements for Panthers GM Marty Hurney in 2021
By Dean Jones
Luke Kuechly
Would this be a little too soon for Luke Kuechly?
Maybe.
But he’s forgotten more about football than most of us will ever know.
The legendary linebacker called it a day with the Carolina Panthers after eight sensational seasons that brought a host of individual accolades his way. Kuechly will go down as one of the team’s greatest-ever players, of that there is little doubt. And he has wasted no time in carving out another career path that is another big boost to the organization.
Carolina made the smart move to keep Kuechly on the staff in the role of a pro scout. This is something which he is tackling with his customary determination and one only needs to look at how highly players like stud rookie Jeremy Chinn are speaking about the perennial All-Pro to know what sort of impression he is leaving on them.
Promoting Kuechly to the general manager role so quickly would be a huge risk.
However, with high risk comes high reward.
This would be a hugely popular appointment and one that would get Carolina’s fanbase back onside after many became disillusioned with the franchise following their treatment of Cam Newton this offseason. Kuechly has always relished a challenge, and this would definitely be that.
Marty Hurney might end up staying around on a new deal. But if David Tepper decides to go in a different direction, then Kuechly is a realistic option to consider.