4 crucial observations from Panthers GM Scott Fitterer’s combine presser
By Jason Huber
Carolina Panthers ready to let Haason Reddick walk
One of the biggest surprises of the season was just how well Haason Reddick performed. The outside linebacker signed with the Carolina Panthers on a one-year, prove-it deal last offseason and he certainly earned his money, racking up 11 sacks and playing like one of the best players on defense in 2021.
Over the past two years, Reddick now has 23.5 sacks. That will warrant a large payday during the upcoming free agency period and there should be a large queue of suitors after the Temple product proved his 2020 season with the Arizona Cardinals wasn’t a one-off.
The thing is, while many fans would count Reddick as one of the top priorities this offseason, Scott Fitterer’s comments on re-signing him didn’t seem too positive.
Fitterer said Reddick will have the right to explore the market and see what he can get.
"“He’s going to command a lot of money on the market. If he gets that, I’ll be happy for him. We just want the dialogue to be open, give us a chance, and see where it goes.”"
“Give us a chance”, doesn’t sound very reassuring. With veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore also a key free agent, it seems more likely that the Panthers spend their money elsewhere and that would leave a gaping hole regarding their pass-rushing options next time around.