What were some dismal personnel moves that contributed significantly to former Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer's demise?
Scott Fitterer came into the Carolina Panthers with an aggressive intent. He claimed the franchise was going to be in on every deal to become a contender. That was the case more often than not, but the general manager just couldn't find the right formula over his three-year stint in Charlotte.
The Panthers fired Fitterer on Monday following a two-win campaign and with morale at an all-time low. It wasn't the easiest situation thanks to a meddling, impatient owner seemingly involved in every important football decision. But at the end of the day, Carolina's on-field results spoke for themselves.
This is the clearest sign yet that Tepper is planning to alter his approach. The general manager and head coach interview requests have cast Carolina's net far and wide. There's a long way to go, but it's a step in the right direction nonetheless.
Before we look too far ahead, here are five dismal moves that played a leading role in Fitterer's demise.
Carolina Panthers third-round reaches
Considering Scott Fitterer's background centered on college scouting, there were more misses than hits when it came to his draft picks with the Carolina Panthers. The jury is still out on some - Bryce Young and Ikem Ekwonu, in particular. A pair of third-round reaches also brought scrutiny to the team's door.
First, it was the decision to move up in the 2022 NFL Draft for Matt Corral. The quarterback was dealt a harsh hand through injury and was unable to make his presence felt upon returning. When a new regime came into the fold, they cut him loose with very little fanfare attached.
The Panthers also moved up the 2023 draft order for edge rusher D.J. Johnson. A panic trade with options disappearing off their board, focusing on need rather than the talent available. The prospect was tabbed by many as a Day 3 pick or even an undrafted free agent. His performances as a rookie indicate this was another grave error in judgment.
Carolina Panthers let Haason Reddick walk
Signing Hasson Reddick turned out to be a masterstroke by the Carolina Panthers in 2021 free agency. The edge rusher formed a prolific tandem with Brian Burns, wreaking havoc throughout the campaign en route to 11 sacks. Unfortunately, this wasn't enough to earn a longer-term commitment from general manager Scott Fitterer.
Reddick was permitted to test the free-agent market despite outlining a clear desire to remain with the organization. He subsequently signed for the Philadelphia Eagles. It was decent money, but nothing the Panthers couldn't afford considering his emerging importance to the team's defensive strategy.
As he did on countless occasions, Fitterer placed too much faith in young players taking advantage of extended playing time. This was ill-advised. To make matters worse, Reddick thrived in Philadelphia to emerge as one of the league's most consistent pass-rushers.
The former first-round pick out of Temple has a second-team All-Pro, an NFC Championship, a Super Bowl appearance, two Pro Bowl appearances, and 27 sacks in his two seasons since leaving the Panthers. Of all the suspect free-agent moves made by Fitterer, this is right at the top.
One could also point to letting cornerback Stephon Gilmore leave after a brief stint with the Panthers as another. The likes of Donte Jackson and Ian Thomas were paid instead. Just a damning indictment of Fitterer's personnel evaluation.
Trading for Sam Darnold, picking up his 5th-year option
The Carolina Panthers had a quarterback dilemma to solve once Scott Fitterer into the building. Teddy Bridgewater had two years remaining on his deal. However, those in power felt more was needed to take the organization forward.
Despite the perceived strength of the 2021 NFL Draft class, the Panthers went down an alternative route. They saw something on film that suggested Sam Darnold could be saved. This resulted in a bombshell trade with the New York Jets that cost second, fourth, and sixth-round selections.
Darnold was the No. 3 overall selection in the 2018 draft. Things hadn't gone according to plan with the Jets, but the blame was placed squarely on Adam Gates rather than the signal-caller's talent.
Not only did the Panthers trade for Darnold, but they triggered his fifth-year opinion before he got into the building. They felt it was a risk worth taking - especially if the former USC star fulfilled his promise - but it was another gamble that blew up in Fitterer's face.
Much has been made about Matt Rhule's control at the time. Fitterer was new to the building, so this was the perfect chance to stamp his mark and question the complete chaos unfolding around him.
Instead, he enabled the behavior. This makes him complicit and equally as responsible for Darnold's acquisition. Something that led to his benching in favor of Baker Mayfield one year later with more than $18 million guaranteed against the salary cap.
Carolina Panthers didn't replace D.J. Moore, Christian McCaffrey
When Matt Rhule was mercifully fired after Week 5 of the 2022 season, it was Scott Fitteerr's chance to finally begin molding this roster as he saw fit. The Carolina Panthers were going nowhere fast and needed to recoup assets. This started by trading their best offensive weapon in star running back Christian McCaffrey.
McCaffrey was the focal point on offense and one of the league's most dynamic players. He had injury problems, but Fitterer felt the offer made by the San Francisco 49ers was too good to ignore.
It came as no surprise to see McCaffrey thrive within Kyle Shanahan's system. He's barely missed time. He was a potential NFL MVP candidate at one stage this season. He's gained more than 2,000 all-purpose yards for the second time in his illustrious career.
The Panthers replaced him with Miles Sanders. They allocated decent money to the Pro Bowler despite the growing trend around the league. It was one of the worst free-agent signings in franchise history.
Fitterer also took the difficult decision to include D.J. Moore in the trade package that sealed their trade to No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft for Bryce Young. The talented wideout received the news while he was moving house. He harbored significant resentment but pulled things together to enjoy the best statistical season of his career in a different environment.
As for the Panthers? Fitterer once again placed faith in mid-level free agents and young talent to compensate for Moore's departure. Aside from Adam Thielen, it was an unmitigated disaster.
Trading two cornerstone offensive pieces was bad enough. Not prioritizing the correct replacements was organizational malpractice on Fitterer's behalf.
Brian Burns mismanagement
Scott Fitterer's handling of Brian Burns' contract situation was a complete embarrassment. The stud edge rusher was coming off two straight Pro Bowl appearances heading into the final year of his deal this offseason. He remained a model professional while others in the same position sat out. Simply put, the Carolina Panthers took advantage.
Burns called off the contract stalemate to focus on the season after weeks of negotiations. His production regressed. He recently revealed there was a focus on not getting hurt - something that would have impacted his chances of getting a lucrative contract extension in Carolina or elsewhere next time around.
Fitterer turned down a whopping trade offer from the Los Angeles Rams for Burns. This included two first-round picks. Multiple other advances were spurned. The Panthers lost all leverage from the moment these decisions became public.
And yet, Fitterer and his front office sat on their hands. Burns cut a forlorn figure throughout the campaign. Now, it looks like the Panthers will slap the franchise tag on the former first-round pick to prevent him from leaving in free agency.
Whether the new regime can work out an extension remains to be seen. One could forgive Burns for wanting a fresh start after being disrespected beyond belief by Fitterer. This is yet another example of his inept management of team affairs from a prominent position of power.