Ranking the 7 worst contracts in Carolina Panthers history
By Jason Huber
Matt Rhule – Carolina Panthers HC
- Signed seven-year, $62 million contract in 2020
Okay, I had to. Before we get into the players, it would be wrong of me to not add Matt Rhule to this list just because he’s a head coach. Of course, this contract doesn’t affect the Carolina Panthers from a salary cap or team payroll point of view – coming right out of owner David Tepper’s pocket, instead – but it’s still laughable.
Not only have the first two years of the deal culminated in just 10 wins. But no other team was going to give Rhule a contract this big given he had almost no NFL coaching experience and certainly not from a key job title.
Rhule’s deal is really only for proven guys. Something that wasn’t seen much before the Panthers pulled the trigger as Tepper identified the former Baylor man as the man to replace Ron Rivera.
The biggest reason Tepper gave Rhule this deal is to pry him away from the New York Giants gig. Even though the hire of Joe Judge didn’t work out at MetLife Stadium, they’re probably smirking at how things have gone for the Panthers.
Rhule promised a seven-year process. But there are no promises that he makes it through this upcoming third year given how things have transpired so far.