5 critical takeaways from Scott Fitterer’s post-free agency presser
By Dean Jones
What were some critical takeaways from Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer’s post-free agency media availability on Friday?
After a hectic free agency period for the Carolina Panthers, attention quickly turned to pro days this week as options surrounding a new quarterback from the 2022 NFL Draft continue to be explored. The organization sent some key personnel to witness Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis, and Matt Corral in the flesh, with front office figures also visiting Cincinnati to run the rule over Desmond Ridder on Thursday.
General manager Scott Fitterer and others within the Panthers have some important decisions to make in the coming weeks. The outcomes will have significant ramifications on the short and long-term future of the franchise and their head coach Matt Rhule.
Fitterer concluded another action-packed week by speaking to beat writers during some media availability, where he dropped some subtle hints about what might still be to come for Carolina this offseason.
With this in mind, here are five critical takeaways from Fitterer’s post-free agency press conference on Friday.
Critical Takeaway No. 1
The Deshaun Watson trade pursuit details were kept to a minimum
This was the first time Scott Fitterer has spoken in front of media since the Carolina Panthers went after Deshaun Watson, who eventually ended up with the Cleveland Browns after initially informing the AFC North team they were out of the running. Although questions arrived regarding the controversial pursuit of the signal caller, the general manager kept things right to a minimum and appeared reluctant to go into great detail.
All Fitterer really said is that the Panthers “did their work” on Watson throughout the process. Not exactly the clarity many were hoping for, but this was unlikely to have been the general manager’s call, in any case.
It’s time for everyone to move on. But there will always be some lingering doubts about just why the Panthers were willing to sacrifice everything for someone with a dark cloud hanging over him.