4 pressing items for Panthers GM Scott Fitterer’s to-do list
By Dean Jones
Decide the way forward at QB
The Carolina Panthers have some problems that need solving on their roster, and this is no more evident than the increasing uncertainty surrounding quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. His steady regression throughout the campaign has left many wondering whether putting him under center in 2021 is going to do more harm than good. But the organization appears tied to the player for at least next season after giving him a three-year, $63 million deal with a $15 million signing bonus and $33 million guaranteed.
Not exactly the greatest moment of Marty Hurney’s tenure.
But it is what it is.
Judging by early indications, the pressure is on Bridgewater. The Panthers brought in free-agent Dwayne Haskins for a visit and didn’t rule out offering him a prove-it contract down the line. There is also the likelihood of Carolina taking a potential quarterback of the future early in the 2021 NFL Draft if the opportunity arises.
Scott Fitterer was one of the driving forces in Seattle’s recruitment process when the Seahawks found a college gem in Russell Wilson, who quashed all doubts about his size to become one of the top signal-callers in the game.
Matt Rhule will also have a big say in this, but Fitterer will do his due diligence when it comes to the Panthers’ long-term solution at the quarterback position and he is going to come in with his own set of ideas that need to fit what the head coach is trying to accomplish.