What were some major observations from Scott Fitterer and Frank Reich's first pressers since the Carolina Panthers traded up to No. 1 overall?
There was an enormous sense of anticipation as general manager Scott Fitterer and head coach Frank Reich spoke publicly for the first time since the Carolina Panthers traded up to No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. A move that sent shockwaves across the NFL and ensured they got full control of their own destiny.
This was swiftly followed by a frantic start to free agency with plenty of comings and goings. Fitterer and the Panthers have come out of the early free-agent period extremely well, but there is much hard work ahead before the team congregates for OTAs later this spring.
Both Fitterer and Reich provided some useful insights into their recent thought process and what might be coming in the not-too-distant future. Something that will ultimately determine whether Carolina can mount an NFC South title charge in 2023.
Without further ado, here are four major observations from Fitterer and Reich's press availability on Monday afternoon.
Major Observation No. 1
Carolina Panthers plan to extend Brian Burns after the draft
It's not just incomings that are forming a big part of the team's plans right now. The Carolina Panthers also plan on taking care of some of their top performers and defensive end Brian Burns is atop the list.
Scott Fitterer stated that the Panthers plan to give Burns a bumper new contract once their 2023 NFL Draft engagements conclude. Something that provides financial security to the pass-rushing phenom and keeps one of Carolina's core young guys around long-term.
This is going to be a whopping deal. But the Panthers have the front office personnel in place to stay cap flexible no matter how much Burns commands.
Carolina Panthers looking for vertical WR
After securing one of the NFL's most polished route runners in Adam Thielen, it doesn't appear as if the Carolina Panthers are done strengthening their wide receiver room. Something that the team desperately needs after including D.J. Moore in the package that got them up to No. 1 overall.
Scott Fitterer stated his appreciation for Moore and was sad to see him leave. But the draft compensation alone was too steep for this trade and including the wideout was the only way to get it over the line.
Thielen will help enormously after a highly productive career with the Minnesota Vikings. Fitterer added that the Panthers are also looking for a deep vertical threat to further assist their new rookie signal-caller in 2023.
The team remains interested in D.J. Chark but is "letting it all play out" according to Fitterer. Acquiring one via the 2023 NFL Draft was another option discussed, with the final cuts in August also representing an opportunity to bring someone into the fold.
Carolina has multiple possibilities. But the sooner it happens, the more chance any quarterback has of developing chemistry throughout the preparation period.
The wheels are in motion and Fitterer will explore every possible opportunity. Carolina also has the cap space to pull it off after the Shaq Thompson contract details were revealed.
Carolina Panthers have QB conviction atop the draft
As Frank Reich said, the Carolina Panthers aren't in the mood for playing games. They're not in a position to fool anyone with the No. 1 overall selection, especially considering what they gave to the Chicago Bears for this privilege.
Both Scott Fitterer and Reich added that there was a conviction within the building about which quarterback they'll end up taking. Evaluations are still ongoing and there could be some slight alterations in terms of the pecking order, but they now have a clear plan in place to finally solve their long-term aspirations at football's most important position.
Getting a playmaker is the primary objective. And when asked about whether Bryce Young's height and weight would be a factor, it appears as if the prospect is right in play based on the answers given by those in power.
A move for Lamar Jackson was also discussed according to Fitterer. But the general manager highlighted the financial cost and the desire to build around a rookie contract as the reason behind going down the draft route.
While giving too much away wasn't on the agenda, Reich revealed that Carolina plans to bring in all four quarterback prospects considered for top-30 visits. This will give them a clearer perspective about which player best suits the system and the culture the Panthers are building - but confidence is definitely high that they've done the right thing.
Carolina Panthers adopting a winning culture
The Carolina Panthers are looking to completely shift the culture within the organization this offseason. From an atmospheric standpoint, it's a stark contrast to the inept management of team affairs under Matt Rhule, who took a lot of risks with very little substance attached and paid a heavy price.
That's not the case with Scott Fitterer and Frank Reich running things. These are true football men who weigh up every factor into each equation before coming to a decisive conclusion.
Carolina hasn't done much winning over the last few years. This is something the head coach is fully aware of and the signings made in free agency should go a long way to improving their fortunate.
Reich brought up the likes of Hayden Hurst, Miles Sanders, and Adam Thielen during his presser. More specifically, their experience with winning organizations and how this could serve the Panthers well in 2023 and beyond.
It's strange to come away from these pressers with positivity after the Rhule era. This all changes if the quarterback choice doesn't work out and the free-agent signings don't meet expectations, but the Panthers have the right coaches in place to ensure there are no excuses for poor performance.
The pendulum is shifting in a manner that is bringing real hope across the fanbase. If the same trend continues throughout the preparation period, a strong bid for the NFC South championship won't be too far behind.