How has Scott Fitterer handled GM role during training camp?
By Dean Jones
How has Scott Fitterer settled into the role of general manager during Carolina Panthers training camp ahead of the 2021 season?
Scott Fitterer has made a fantastic start to life as general manager of the Carolina Panthers. The respected figure wasted no time in making his presence felt across the organization following his appointment from the Seattle Seahawks, something that’s been eventful and encouraging in equal measure.
A masterful three days during the 2021 NFL Draft only heightened expectations where Fitterer and the Panthers are concerned. His fresh set of ideas coupled with a strong working relationship with head coach Matt Rhule and team owner David Tepper has many wondering if this really is the start of great things to come in Carolina.
It might seem as if Fitterer’s already done the hard part. But considering how much work still needs to be done to get the Panthers back into prominent postseason contention, he’s just getting started.
Although what comes next will be ultimately down to the players and Rhule’s coaching staff, the general manager has been a constant presence on the sidelines.
After all, evaluating talent is one of the primary reasons why he surged up the front office with the Seahawks and eventually became Marty Hurney’s replacement.
The Panthers have been churning out the bottom-end of their roster plenty this offseason. Fitterer and Rhule are keen to get a good look at as many guys as possible before coming to some formal conclusions regarding the 53-man roster but also who could potentially become part of the practice squad.
Scott Fitterer is putting his previous experiences to good use with the Carolina Panthers.
This was also a method deployed by the Seahawks when Pete Carroll took over as head coach. An experience Fitterer is putting to good use with more say in what goes on behind the scenes.
In a recent interview, Fitterer also revealed that the Panthers are forming a concise plan that now only put them in the best possible position this season, but also in the years to come with plenty of his young stars sure to command big-money deals sooner rather than later.
"“I think we’re always looking to add players to every position. Keeping some cap space is important to us, there’s a lot of planning too. Not this year, we’re looking at next year, the year after, building our model, who do we want to pay next.”"
Such direction is something that’s been sorely missing on the Panthers. Certainly during the final stages of the previous regime.
And there could be some tinkering of the roster yet to come.
If Fitterer and other influential figures don’t like what they see from certain positional groups, they have the option of bringing in someone off the waiver wire when final cuts are made, acquiring a veteran in free agency, or even going a little bolder and trading for someone that could make an instant impact.
Fitterer has no doubt taken everything in during team drills and scrimmages. There is a lot to like about the way he conducts himself within a team surrounding and speaking to the media, but there is obviously a ruthlessness regarding recruitment that could reap rewards for the Panthers.
No team gets anywhere standing still.
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In Fitterer, the Panthers have someone who’s already created a blueprint for success. But backing it up the field is the next primary objective.