5 Seahawks who could follow new GM Scott Fitterer to Carolina
By Dean Jones
Shaquem Griffin – DE/OLB
Shaquem Griffin has been nothing more than a rotational piece on the depth chart during his career. But considering how much the Carolina Panthers struggled to generate pressure during the first half of the season, some extra help on the defensive line or even outside linebacker is going to be needed.
Phil Snow’s unit made some encouraging strides as the campaign wore on. They are a force to be reckoned with if early momentum is built and if they can bring in the right sort of recruits in the coming months, it could result in even more in the way of production next season.
Griffin might not be the biggest name around. But he is athletic, versatile, and is sure to jump at the chance of reuniting with Scott Fitterer in a bid to earn some extra playing time in a different environment.
The former UCF standout notched his first career sack in 2020, earning an eye-catching 66.5 grade from Pro Football Focus from 17 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. There is a lot to like about the skills Griffin brings to the table and his traits are something Carolina sought heavily during the recruitment process in the first year of Matt Rhule’s tenure.
Whether this method with change now Fitterer has come on board remains to be seen. But nobody will know more about Griffin’s potential than the Panthers’ new general manager.