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

What were some major observations from Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer’s press availability at the 2023 NFL Combine?

All eyes were on Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer as he took to the podium at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. It’s been a headline-laden few weeks for the organization following the arrival of head coach Frank Reich, who’s molded an impressive staff team that’s enhanced a real sense of belief great things are on the way next season.

Of course, this piles additional pressure on Fitterer, who is getting the final say on personnel for the first time. Something he couldn’t grasp due to the stipulation in Matt Rhule’s contract since joining the franchise.

While Fitterer rightfully didn’t give too much away, there were some useful insights into what’s transpiring behind the scenes. And it won’t be much longer before these plans are put into action.

With this in mind, here are four major observations from Fitterer’s press availability at the 2023 NFL Combine.

Major Observation No. 1

Carolina Panthers blossoming front office tandem

One thing that Scott Fitterer pointed out was his blossoming relationship with assistant general manager Dan Morgan. The pair have hit it off in a big way, challenging each other daily in pursuit of making the right decisions that can benefit the Carolina Panthers long-term.

"“There might be times where I challenge him, or he challenges me, or maybe Dave (Tepper) challenges both of us. But I think it’s a really good combination. We work well together, we offset each other. We had different personalities, different styles, but it seems to work for us.”"

Morgan is on track to be a future general manager one day. For now, his working partnership with Fitterer stands to benefit the Panthers considerably this offseason.

Carolina Panthers culture shift

Matt Rhule’s dark cloud across the Carolina Panthers has mercifully evaporated. Replaced by a newfound purpose and professionalism that was sorely lacking during his inept three years at the helm.

This is something Scott Fitterer elaborated on during his NFL Combine presser. The general manager has noticed a complete culture shift, which began with Steve Wilks and was enhanced from the moment head coach Frank Reich separated himself from other potential head coaching candidates.

Fitterer was quick to point out the influence of team owner David Tepper, who is looking to restore faith after a few mistakes since buying the Panthers from Jerry Richardson. Something the billionaire is well on the way to attaining.

"“Not only have we added good coaches, we’ve started that change in culture. And that’s kind of been the biggest thing. Really, what started that was David Tepper came to us and said, hey, listen, I want the best. I’m not going to play for .500 football; we want to win championships here. We want to sustain this. And he said, basically, he would give us the resources. He said, just bring me the best. And he’s backed that up.”"

Tepper is clearly intent on righting some serious wrongs this off-season. His road to redemption is off to a good start and although he remains heavily involved in football matters, there is far more confidence in the football people alongside him to prevent previous rash moves from taking place once again.

There’s a lot of work ahead. But this is an undoubted positive after so much underachievement on and off the field.

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.

Carolina Panthers trading up?

Although the temptation to bring someone like Derek Carr into the fold is there for all to see, the simplest solution – one general manager Scott Fitterer might prefer – is finding their guy from the 2023 NFL Draft.

Fitterer has preached the importance of drafting and developing a rookie quarterback. This would allow the Carolina Panthers to build around a cheap contract and have their guy for the next 5-10 years.

Finding the right prospect is the tricky part. But the front office figure believes that if there is a general consensus, this is the year Carolina might sacrifice a significant amount of draft capital to move up and get their player of choice.

"“You gotta be aggressive. If you have a guy you have conviction on, go get him. You don’t wanna be reckless. But you wanna look to see what’s been done in the past, and if you have to give up some assets to go get him. I hope we’re not picking in the top 10 again, so it’s gonna be a lot more if you’re in 22 or something else at that point. This might be a year to do some things like that.”"

This is undeniably the most fascinating element of the offseason. The Chicago Bears are reportedly looking to move out of the No. 1 spot and the Arizona Cardinals could also be tempted to part ways with the No. 3 selection if the right offer comes along.

Therefore, the opportunity is there for Carolina if they feel like it’s the correct thing to do. Something that could land them a blue-chip prospect such as Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud to take this franchise forward.