4 big wins for Carolina Panthers GM Scott Fitterer so far
By Dean Jones
What are some big wins for Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer during his first offseason with the organization so far?
The Carolina Panthers made a bold move with the appointment of Scott Fitterer as their new general manager. A whirlwind process saw the former Seattle Seahawks front office member get the job just a few days following his first interview in front of head coach Matt Rhule and team owner David Tepper, which was a deserved promotion for a man who is highly respected in league circles.
Fitterer has been thrown in at the deep end, of that there is little doubt. This is an offseason like no other thanks to COVID-19 restrictions during the NFL Draft evaluation process and the eight percent salary-cap decrease. But the recent arrival has done a tremendous job so far at bringing in quality to problem areas that should stand the Panthers in good stead moving forward.
Howeer, there is much more work to be done if they want to really be considered as postseason challengers in 2021.
There is an ongoing cloud surrounding just what Carolina has planned at quarterback. They have left no stone unturned in pursuit of getting an upgrade on Teddy Bridgewater since the season ended, but with the San Francisco 49ers trading up to No. 3 in the draft and the ever-developing situation regarding Deshaun Watson, things look bleak for a better option.
With that being said, Fitterer has made an impressive start in his new role. Here are four big wins for the GM this offseason.
Win No. 1
Salary-cap management
Things haven’t been easy for an NFL team over the last few weeks. There has been plenty of maneuvering to comply with the new salary-cap restrictions and considering what sort of players the Carolina Panthers have brought in, to have so much in the way of capital left is a testament to how well Scott Fitterer has adjusted to the role.
As things stand currently, the Panthers have $23.45 million to spend, according to Spotrac. Rookie contracts from their upcoming draft selections need to be taken into account. But there should still be enough to make a couple more notable free-agent signings and perhaps even extend the likes of Taylor Moton to a long-term deal.
The right tackle has been an exceptional performer over the last three years and was given the franchise tag to prevent him from testing the market. D.J. Moore, Donte Jackson, and Robby Anderson are other candidates for extensions in the coming weeks, which Carolina could possibly do with the cap set to soar in 2022.