NFL Insider Reports on Fitterer's Future in Carolina

Will the Panthers enter a search for a new GM this offseason?

The future of Carolina Panthers GM Scott Fitterer remains uncertain as we enter the final week of the 2023 season. 

Carolina mortgaged the future to move up to the No. 1 slot in last year's draft to select Alabama QB Bryce Young and one reason Fitterer felt comfortable making the mega deal is because he felt the team wouldn't pick in the top ten again anytime soon. 

Well, not only are the Panthers "picking" in the top ten, but they clinched the worst record in the NFL with their loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday, meaning they will send the No. 1 overall pick to Chicago. 

The offensive line needs addressed in the worst of ways. The wide receiver room fails to get separation and make plays. The running back tandem of Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders has been inconsistent. And oh yeah, Bryce Young hasn't shown much promise either.

Since Fitterer was hired as GM in 2021, the Panthers have a record of 14-36 (.280). 

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN believes Carolina could end up parting ways with Fitterer.

"While two general manager jobs are officially open, more are coming. Leading into Week 18, many people in the league believe Panthers owner David Tepper will move on from Scott Fitterer at some point. Fitterer is well-liked in the franchise and has a good relationship with Tepper. Nobody in Carolina expected to be 2-14, and a rash of injuries was a big factor. But the Panthers' struggles and back-to-back fired coaches could be tough for Fitterer to overcome.

"Tepper is known to value analytics, so that could be a factor in any search. And it's possible he hires a coach before he decides anything on the general manager front. Several in-house candidates have plenty of experience, including vice president of football operations Samir Suleiman, assistant GM Dan Morgan and vice president of player personnel Adrian Wilson."

Panthers Need to Protect Bryce Young, Start Andy Dalton in Week 18

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