Panthers signings indicate major change in personnel approach

The recent signings made by the Carolina Panthers indicate a major shift in personnel approach under the leadership of general manager Scott Fitterer.

Although it’s gone relatively overlooked compared to the other big splashes being made across the league during arguably the most dramatic offseason period in history, the Carolina Panthers are putting together a pretty decent collection of free-agent signings. There was the obvious blow of missing out on Deshaun Watson, but considering the fully-guaranteed contract he received from the Cleveland Browns, they might have dodged a bullet and there is also the small matter of a potential league suspension to consider.

It was an impressive bounce-back day for the Panthers on Friday, which was made even better by the news that Watson would not be plying his trade in the NFC South. Carolina signed all-world punter Johnny Hekker and strengthened their offensive line significantly with the addition of center Bradley Bozeman from the Baltimore Ravens on a one-year deal – two proven performers who should fit in extremely well.

If that wasn’t enough, a well-deserved contract extension for D.J Moore gave additional cause for optimism. Even if there is much more to do before the Panthers can start looking at potential playoff football.

Carolina Panthers have adopted a methodical approach in 2022 free agency

There is a much more methodical approach to the way Carolina is approaching free agency in 2022. The rash decisions that brought the likes of Cam Erving and Pat Elflein on board seem to be a thing of the past, which could mean that the balance of power has shifted within the front office based on the previous two years.

Scott Fitterer and Dan Morgan are two highly respected individuals. Even though head coach Matt Rhule has it written into his contract when it comes to having the final say on personnel decisions, team owner David Tepper could have pulled the plug on this in favor of a more traditional approach.

Rhule still has a say, obviously. And this is just a theory based on what’s transpired in the past compared to what’s going on right now.

However, it’s a scenario that can only benefit the Panthers. It would also give Rhule the chance to prove once and for all whether he can effectively lead men from a coaching role, which is what he was hired to do in the first place.

The jury is still well and truly out on that one. For now, the fan can bask in the glory of smart decisions being made and money being allocated wisely on positions of significant need.

Of course, there is the ongoing cloud at quarterback hanging over the Panthers. Those in power have decided that Sam Darnold is not the answer after a disastrous 2021 campaign and who comes in to replace the USC product could shift the trajectory one way or another.

It’s a solid start. But no more than that.

Fitterer, Morgan, and even Rhule deserve credit for identifying high-character individuals and signing them to deals that haven’t exactly broken the bank. This is the way to build a winning organization despite the erratic nature of the NFL in recent days.

These decisions also seem to be getting some supporters back onside, which is another element to this equation that cannot be overlooked. But much will obviously depend on whether Rhule can also make the necessary improvements after coming in for severe criticism during his opening two seasons at the helm.