5 critical takeaways from Scott Fitterer’s post-free agency presser
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers keen to get the “whole team” right
It’s been an encouraging period of recruitment for the Carolina Panthers in free agency so far. But there are some clear deficiencies across the roster that could prevent the team from making genuine progress in 2022 if they aren’t addressed.
The quarterback situation remains a grave concern and there is also finding a consistent left tackle to factor into the equation. Outside of these groups, things are definitely looking up.
Scott Fitterer spoke in great detail about the process, claiming that he wants to get the “whole team right“. This means they could, in theory, just drop a quarterback in and allow their chosen signal-caller to thrive with strong protection and gifted skill position players.
"“Last year, we came in and kind of reset that defense and rebuilt that defense, and we added some pieces this year. We’ve rebuilt this offense, we have a much better offensive line. We’ve got the running backs, the skill positions, the receivers. Eventually it’s going to get to the point where you drop a quarterback in, and guys just take off. That’s what we’re building towards, and I think we’re a lot closer this year than we have been the last year or two.”"
Just who the Panthers are going to choose as their signal-caller is another matter. Speculation is rampant about selecting a prospect at No. 6 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, but that could change if someone like Evan Neal or Ikem Ekwonu falls out of the top five.
It’s a fluid situation. But Fitterer seems to be ready for every eventuality.