5 things we learned from the Carolina Panthers 2021 offseason
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers looking after their top star
The change in direction from the new regime brought around a shift in dynamic when it comes to their established roster members. General manager Scott Fitterer’s constantly looking at ways to improve the team, but the Carolina Panthers also appear more than willing to keep their top guys providing the price is right.
Not locking down players entering the final year of their deals is something Carolina’s been criticized for in the past. The likes of James Bradberry and Curtis Samuel both left for nothing when things should have been sorted long before free agency, with the Panthers probably focusing their attention on the wrong things during Marty Hurney’s second stint with the organization.
Taylor Moton got a bumper new deal just minutes before the franchise tag deadline. A two-year extension for wide receiver Robby Anderson was further proof that players want to stay in Carolina now the organization has a new sense of purpose.
Fitterer stated he is going against the grain when it comes to contract negotiations. If the time is right, he’s willing to get things done.
"“I’ll talk to ’em any time. Any time the time is right to get the deal done, whether it’s during the season or after the season. I know some GMs don’t like doing that. They just want the players to focus on the season. But if the time is right, the player is right, we’ll do it at that time.”"
As Fitterer stated, this isn’t normally the done thing in today’s NFL. Especially in the current financial climate after COVID-19 revenue losses saw the salary cap shrink in 2021.
But it does give players full confidence that if they reach or exceed expectations over a consistent period of time, their efforts will be rewarded.