Who could emerge as potential candidates if the Carolina Panthers decide to part ways with general manager Scott Fitterer in 2024?
Things have spiraled completely out of control for the Carolina Panthers this season. Delusions of a potential playoff berth fell by the wayside with just one win from their opening 11 games, which piles exponential pressure on those in positions of power as David Tepper faces another embarrassing reset.
This needs to be done right after so many failed gambles under Tepper's ownership. If the billionaire decides to make further alterations to the staffing infrastructure, it must be definitive and start by gutting the organization from the top down.
Scott Fitterer is coming in for severe criticism from the fanbase. The general manager's suspect drafting, trading, and free-agent acquisitions leave him in a precarious spot, although there's been no inkling from within the building that his job is on the line currently.
With that being said, the record is a reflection of recruitment as much as poor coaching. Here are five potential candidates to consider if the Panthers move on from Fitterer in 2024.
Carolina Panthers could target Andy Weidl
- Assistant General Manager | Pittsburgh Steelers
The Carolina Panthers might opt for pedigree next time around. Andy Weidl is a fast front-office climber, spending time working for respected minds such as Ozzie Newsome and Howie Roseman before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.
Weidl wasn't in Pittsburgh when the Steelers drafted Kenny Pickett, which works in his favor. This is the sort of progressive forward-thinker that could help the Panthers flourish if David Tepper decides to start fresh and relieve Scott Fitterer of his duties once the campaign concludes.
Carolina Panthers could promote from within
Another option team owner David Tepper has if he opts for a shift in direction is promoting from within. Some interesting figures working below general manager Scott Fitterer currently might become worthy candidates to consider, even if this doesn't necessarily fit in with the need for a complete culture shift across the organization.
Samir Suleiman is the salary-cap guru who could become a future general manager one day. He's been praised for his cap manipulation, although things aren't looking too promising on that front in 2024 once extensions for edge rusher Brian Burns and linebacker Frankie Luvu are finalized.
There's also interest in Dan Morgan, who's been interviewed for general manager positions around the NFL. The former Carolina Panthers linebacker was a legendary figure on the field, but whether getting tied to Fitterer will work against him remains to be seen.
Adrian Wilson joined the Panthers this offseason as vice president of player personnel. He's a former player like Morgan and considering his blossoming reputation in league circles, could be another option for Tepper to contemplate.
Promoting from within has its merits, but it would be underwhelming. Especially considering how much the Panthers have failed to deliver following lofty expectations before the 2023 campaign.
Carolina Panthers could hire Adam Peters
- Assistant General Manager | San Francisco 49ers
The Carolina Panthers need to go about things differently. That is glaringly obvious, so examining candidates from winning organizations could be worth its weight in gold if David Tepper decides general manager Scott Fitterer is surplus to requirements once the 2023 campaign concludes.
Looking at the teams building competitive rosters consistently and managing their salary cap in a way that doesn't restrict them, the San Francisco 49ers would be right at the top. Their failed trade-up for quarterback Trey Lance aside, this franchise has done an incredible job of finding the right formula and more importantly, striking with conviction when they feel like someone might be available that can help them take the next step.
Adam Peters is serving as the team's assistant general manager under John Lynch. He'll likely be a hot commodity during the next cycle, which might work against the Panthers if the respected front office figure has his choice of teams when push comes to shove.
Tepper's reputation around the NFL isn't great. He's a known meddler in football affairs, so people like Peters could look the other way unless specific assurances are made regarding ownership involvement.
As previously mentioned, until Tepper realizes he's a big part of the problem, nothing will change. But someone like Peters is worth it.
Carolina Panthers could hire Glenn Cook
- Assistant General Manager | Cleveland Browns
Trading for quarterback Deshaun Watson and handing him a record-breaking contract with $250 million guaranteed was a gamble of epic proportions. One that hasn't brought the necessary rewards for the Cleveland Browns considering their substantial investment.
That aside, their roster building should be commended. This is one of the league's most dynamic defenses with the right blend of youth and experience, which is matched by an offense that more than held its own despite Watson's struggles on occasion.
Glenn Cook is a big part of Cleveland's operation behind the scenes. The assistant general manager is another generating interest in recent years, with the Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts conducting interviews with the bright front office mind before going in different directions.
The Carolina Panthers might not be the most appealing destination with no first-round pick to call upon and some big names out of contract next spring, but it's still a job promotion. And at the end of the day, there are only 32 general manager positions around the NFL to occupy.
Cook will have learned a lot from his experiences so far. He knows how to evaluate talent and is also reportedly fully adapted to the analytics side of the game, which is something team owner David Tepper also values highly.
Carolina Panthers could hire Charles Walls
- Director of Player Personnel | Philadelphia Eagles
In keeping with the need to acquire a front office staff member from a perennial contender, the Philadelphia Eagles are another organization to examine closely. Howie Roseman is arguably the league's best general manager, so the vultures will no doubt be circling in the hope of replicating their success.
The Carolina Panthers need a cutthroat individual with experience working for contenders. They'll know full well what it takes to succeed and the methods implemented, so it might be worth bringing in Charles Walls for an interview if Scott Fitterer is let go.
Walls is director of player personnel with the Eagles and gained a fierce reputation as a scout with the Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers. Considering how drafting well has been a thorn in Carolina's side for years, this should be at the forefront of their general manager job specification.
A former offensive lineman in college, Walls is an up-and-coming figure that warrants respect. Team owner David Tepper doesn't need another yes man - he needs someone capable of forming a clear plan for sustainable success from a franchise widely regarded as one of the NFL's best-run operations.
This would tick all the boxes in that regard. Walls might also be a surprise most other teams don't see coming despite his strong links to Roseman.