4 major observations from Panthers GM Scott Fitterer’s combine presser

Carolina Panthers meeting with Derek Carr

Even though the primary focus is evaluating and meeting with potential draft targets at the NFL Scouting Combine, another headline quickly emerged at the week’s beginning. The Carolina Panthers met with veteran free-agent Derek Carr, who is currently looking for alternative employment after the Las Vegas Raiders ended their relationship to prevent a hefty salary-cap hit in 2023.

This has been met with a mixed reaction among Carolina’s fanbase, who don’t want another band-aid solution to an ongoing, critical complication at football’s most important position. Especially after what transpired from start to finish during Matt Rhule’s reign.

Scott Fitterer shed some light on their meeting with Carr – adding that they also plan to speak with him on the phone next week. But based on the general manager’s comments, it was merely initial discussions and nothing is off the table currently.

"“It was kind of a feeling out process. We’re not talking. We’re not making any commitments. We’re just going down that road. We’re also going down the road of the draft quarterbacks as well. Because of when the free agency is, right after the Combine here, you have to go down multiple roads at the same time. And that’s really our philosophy to explore every option out there. Get all the information and then see what’s best for the Carolina Panthers moving forward.”"

Carr is a polarizing figure that was inconsistent at best last season. The New York Jets and New Orleans Saints are also keen, so a decision needs to come quickly one way or another.

If the Panthers went down this particular road, it would be astonishing. But Fitterer’s in-on-every-deal mentality means nothing can be dismissed at this juncture.