5 boldest moves during the Carolina Panthers 2021 offseason
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers hired Scott Fitterer as GM
It didn’t take a genius to figure out that Marty Hurney’s time as general manager was coming to an end. Team owner David Tepper wanted a fresh approach across the board and although the experienced figure hit some impressive first-round home runs, some of his other decisions have set the organization back considerably.
Hurney was fired as expected shortly before the campaign came to a conclusion. An exhaustive search led the Carolina Panthers towards Scott Fitterer, a forward thinker that is hugely respected in league circles.
Fitterer’s work with the Seattle Seahawks has drawn widespread praise in various roles over the years. If he can accomplish similar in Carolina, it might be enough to see the franchise become legitimate Super Bowl challengers once again.
Hiring someone with no experience as a general manager was a bold move by Tepper. But he showed a willingness to go with a young mind in head coach Matt Rhule and decided to do the same with Fitterer.
The new appointment has made an outstanding impression this offseason. Fitterer’s desire to be in on every deal wasn’t just a catchy one-liner at his introductory presser, it’s something he’s backed up in the trade market, in free agency, and with a frenzied period of activity during the NFL Draft.
Whether this translates to production on the field when it counts is up for debate. However, few would argue that the Panthers didn’t hire the right man judging by Fitterer’s early efforts.