4 pressing items for Carolina Panthers GM Scott Fitterer in 2023
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers must find their franchise QB
Above all else, the Carolina Panthers and general manager Scott Fitterer must find their franchise quarterback this offseason. This is a task that the organization hasn’t managed throughout his tenure so far thanks in no small part to Matt Rhule’s incompetent evaluation of the position.
This was probably frustrating for Fitterer given his preference for drafting and developing quarterbacks. A method that would also enable Carolina to surround their signal-caller of choice with quality weapons in key positional groups for good measure.
The topic was discussed recently by Fitterer following Frank Reich’s introductory press conference. Based on his comments, he clearly feels the right pieces are in place to make a bold bid.
"“I think you’ve got to have conviction. If there’s a guy in this class that you like, you got to go up and go get him. We’re in a position now where we have a defense, we have an offensive line. We built around this for this opportunity. So if you have conviction, go get him. If not, you don’t want to force it. You don’t want to take a player and pass on a really good player, that might set you back. But you can’t be afraid to take a shot if you believe that’s the guy.”"
Trading up from No. 9 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft is the most likely scenario. Gambling on suspect trades for veterans is no longer a viable option.
The cost will be steep – especially if the Panthers want to strike a deal with the Chicago Bears at No. 1. But it could be the move that sparks Carolina into contention if Fitterer hits on the right prospect.
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