4 Carolina Panthers entering make-or-break situations in 2023

Scott Fitterer – Carolina Panthers GM

Much was made of Matt Rhule’s all-conquering power within the Carolina Panthers throughout his three-and-a-half years at the helm. This was a stipulation granted by team owner David Tepper to prevent the college coach from joining the New York Giants.

One that backfired on the owner and Carolina in the biggest way imaginable.

Thankfully, this is not a problem as the 2023 offseason gathers pace. Tepper is moving forward with a more traditional approach, which puts the playing personnel onus squarely on the shoulders of general manager Scott Fitterer for the first time.

Fitterer is widely respected in league circles and has a strong plan in place. However, being connected to Rhule for so long makes him complicit in a series of cataclysmic moves that set the franchise back considerably, so he’ll want to remove this stench at the earliest possible opportunity.

This all starts by fixing the quarterback position. Fitterer wants to draft and develop, but their recent meeting with veteran free-agent Derek Carr – which Tepper also attended – indicates all options are being explored.

If Fitterer cannot make the most out of a substantial opportunity awaiting him this offseason, Tepper will have a big decision to make. This is a situation that might see the front office figure follow Rhule out of the door.