Patriots Hire Ex Carolina Panthers VP to Scouting Department

Veteran scout Pat Stewart previously worked for the New England Patriots from 2007 through 2017.

The New England Patriots are adding a veteran presence to their scouting department in advance of the 2023 NFL season. 

As first reported on Thursday morning by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, the Pats will hire former Carolina Panthers Vice President of Player Personnel Pat Stewart in a yet-to-be defined role. 

Stewart’s return marks his second tour of duty in New England. He previously spent 10 seasons — from 2007 through 2017 — with the Patriots, celebrating two Super Bowl championships with the club in 2014 (XLIX) and 2016 (LI). 

Originally arriving in New England as a scouting assistant, Stewart was promoted to area scout in 2009. Just one year later, he became a pro scout; a role he would maintain through 2013. Stewart returned to his previous job as an area scout in 2014, remaining as such until 2017.

Stewart left New England following the 2017 season to join the Philadelphia Eagles. He served as a national scout for two years before joining the Panthers as director of player personnel prior to the 2020 season, working closely with then-head coach Matt Rhule, with whom Stewart had a close connection. Despite being promoted to vice president in 2021, he was relieved of his duties in February, essentially coinciding with the hiring of new head coach Frank Reich. 

Traditionally, New England’s scouting department has maintained separate divisions for pro-level and college scouting. Though Stewart is quite adept at both, he has greater experience at the collegiate level, spending much of his previous Patriots tenure in that department. 

It remains unclear at this time as to whether the timing of Stewart’s hiring will allow him to join New England’s contingent of coaches in Indianapolis for the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. 

According to Wilson’s report, New England was one of several teams expressing interest in Stewart. The Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, and Arizona Cardinals also showed interest — all of which have ex-Patriots personnel in key front office positions. 

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