4 ways Carolina Panthers are already winning the 2021 offseason
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers are already winning during the 2021 offseason as they look to make some significant improvements to their roster.
It is an immensely important offseason period for the Carolina Panthers. Their encouraging displays during the 2020 campaign will count for nothing if the organization cannot build on it next time around and getting its decisions right this spring will go a long way to achieving that.
Carolina has brought in a new general manager in Scott Fitterer to oversee proceedings. The former VP of player personnel with the Seattle Seahawks wasted no time in making his presence felt, working with head coach Matt Rhule on devising a structured plan that should enable the Panthers to be more competitive in 2021.
Whether that comes with a postseason push remains to be seen. The NFC South now has a defending Super Bowl champion in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – who could go close once again in the last year of Tom Brady’s deal – but with plenty of questions surrounding the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons, there might be an opportunity for the Panthers to improve on their 5-11 record achieved in each of the last two seasons.
To say there is a more ruthless approach to Carolina’s thought process in recent weeks would be something of an understatement. Fitterer, Rhule, and owner David Tepper have the courage of their convictions in the collective pursuit of getting the franchise back to prominence – which might bring around instant results.
With this in mind, here are four things that prove the Panthers are already winning the 2021 offseason compared to years gone by.
Number 1
Coaching at the Senior Bowl
While other teams were hesitant due to COVID-19, the Panthers wasted little time in stating their desire to coach at the Senior Bowl. The 2021 NFL Draft evaluation process is going to look far different this year due to the current climate, so getting the chance to work closely with some top college prospects will have been invaluable as the organization aims to bring in players who can immediately help.
Matt Rhule’s extensive knowledge of the college system helped Carolina hit the jackpot with their 2020 selections. Scott Fitterer is also well-known for finding diamonds in the rough during the later rounds that will hopefully stand the Panthers in good stead over draft weekend.
Everything points to the Panthers having another good draft this spring. If this projection becomes a reality, then coaching in Mobile was the right call in no uncertain terms.