What are some realistic goals for Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer during his first free agency calling the shots in 2023?
Now that Matt Rhule is no longer holding the Carolina Panthers back, general manager Scott Fitterer finally gets the chance to become the primary influencer behind personnel matters. There will be plenty of input from others, but there’s no doubt who’ll get the final say as part of the team’s newfound approach.
This is a more traditional method for success throughout NFL history. Fitterer remains a respected front office figure despite being complicit in Rhule’s failings, so this is his chance to emerge from the shadows and become a true leader behind the scenes.
Fitterer has the trust of David Tepper and is currently developing a working relationship with Frank Reich. But there is no time to rest as important recruitment dates are fast approaching.
With this in mind, here are four realistic goals Fitterer can attain during free agency in 2023.
Realistic Goal No. 1
Carolina Panthers’ compromise with Shaq Thompson
One of the more pressing priorities for general manager Scott Fitterer this offseason is deciding what the future holds for Shaq Thompson. His cap hit needs to come down – there’s no getting away from that – it’s how the Carolina Panthers do this that remains the biggest talking point.
Cutting Thompson if a compromise cannot be reached is realistic. But the Panthers could use his veteran savvy and this might lead to a two or three-year deal that gets backloaded to provide financial flexibility.
Carolina Panthers extend Bradley Bozeman and D’Onta Foreman
Another real need for the Carolina Panthers is locking up two prominent free agents to prevent them from leaving. Much will depend on the money involved, but Bradley Bozeman and D’Onta Foreman did more than enough last season to warrant an extended stay.
Bozeman, in particular, is a must. The veteran center made a significant impression when installed into the starting lineup at the expense of Pat Elflein, providing assured protection and improved pre-snap communication during an immensely impressive campaign.
Given the injury questions surrounding Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen, tying Bozeman down long-term seems like a no-brainer. One that can solidify a problem position that’s been crying out for consistency since former All-Pro Ryan Kalil departed following a glittering spell with the organization.
Carolina’s new-look coaching staff has preached the importance of physicality during their media availability this week. Foreman’s style of running fits the bill in no uncertain terms and working out a deal should be pretty straightforward given his reported desire to remain in the fold.
Even with a new head coach, keeping continuity is crucial. Of all the pending free agents Carolina has this offseason, Foreman and Bozeman are the two most important beyond any doubt.
Carolina Panthers make money readily available
Things are tight from a financial standpoint for the Carolina Panthers right now. Spotrac has the franchise sitting at $9.56 million over the cap, which is not an ideal situation for general manager Scott Fitterer entering his first season as the team’s personnel shot caller.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. The Panthers can adopt the current trend around the league of kicking the financial can down the road by releasing players or restructuring some lucrative contracts for players like D.J. Moore and Taylor Moton.
Having more than $28 million in dead money already thanks to trading Christian McCaffrey and Robbie Anderson is another big reason behind such few resources being available. Although these moves bolstered draft capital and can come off the books in 2024.
If the Panthers want to hit the ground running under Frank Reich, they have to make money available for signings, extensions ahead of time, and retaining free agents. Fitterer will lean heavily on Samir Suleiman throughout the process, who has gained an outstanding reputation in league circles for his salary-cap management behind the scenes.
It’ll be interesting to see what moves are made before and during free agency. But spending huge sums might not be a realistic option when it comes to marquee names looking at the bigger picture.
Next offseason, it’s a different story.
Carolina Panthers lay foundations for “sexy” draft
The Carolina Panthers spent the last three draft processes solidifying positions of need without ever taking the plunge on a franchise quarterback. Something that was often criticized as head coach Matt Rhule constantly went down the trade and free-agent route in pursuit of a viable solution under center.
That should change under Scott Fitterer. He’s made no secret of his desire to draft and develop a quarterback from the college ranks, which indicates Carolina’s days of gambling on veterans are mercifully over.
The plan seems simple. Whether that comes by trading up or taking their chances at No. 9 overall for a future signal-caller is the biggest talking point among analysts and fans right now.
Fitterer can make his life easier during the draft by bringing in some depth pieces and instant contributors in free agency should finances allow. This will set the front office figure up for the ‘sexy’ draft he promised when speaking after the 2022 season concluded.
"“This is the year that we go out, take some shots on more explosive (types) of athletes and players. That might be a little bit more of a sexy draft than just the nuts-and-bolts type draft. We’ll see how it goes. You never know what it’s going to look like. There’s a lot of work to do in the draft room and free agency. But we’re in a position now where we can take some of those shots.”"
Again, this sounds great. But for Fitterer to have this luxury, finding the correct veteran pieces must be attained beforehand when free agency commences.
Otherwise, it’s a promise he might not be able to keep.