Broken Paws: Repairing The Carolina Panthers -

This week, the Carolina Panthers took a step into their uncertain future by firing Matt Rhule. Now, what should be next?

To the delight of Panthers fans through the NFL, Carolina fired Matt Rhule. Now, they must start to rebuild a franchise that made a Super Bowl appearance less than a decade ago. Owner David Tepper, flush with cash and no direction must engineer a renovation that not only will soon, but sustain success, in order to build a winning tradition. Unlike previous eras where the Panthers cobbled together high-draft picks and too many role players, this project needs a ground-up approach. Patience and prudent spending will be the biggest ally that Carolina will enjoy.

Trade Christian McCaffrey

Now, on paper that seems like the first and smartest move to make. For all of his abundant talent, McCaffrey cannot stay healthy. In the last three seasons, he’s played fifteen games. In a sport where the best ability is availability, McCaffrey cannot remain the face of the franchise, eater of the salary cap. What could the Panthers conceivably receive as compensation? Not as much as you’d think. First, McCaffrey’s dead cap money sits at eighteen million for 2023. Carolina would need to rework his deal If the Panthers play this right, McCaffrey will be shipped off for a second/third-round pick. If you are hoping for a first-rounder, go back to 2019. McCaffrey led the league with 2392 yards from scrimmage on 403 touches. That type of usage shortens careers. In fact, you can look at that year as his last good one.

Make Fitterer Uncomfortable

Granted, Scott Fitterer brings over two decades of personnel experience to the table. What he also brings is a penchant for trading for quarterbacks that no one wants. The Jets practically used a mask and weapon to ship Sam Darnold to Charlotte. Following that nightmare, the Panthers acquired Baker Mayfield. Fitterer needs to realize that retreads are not building blocks, bandages to keep a franchise afloat between rebuilds. David Tepper already started to warm Fitterer’s seat heading into the offseason. For as poorly as Matt Rhule’s teams performed, Fitterer’s name is also attached to those failures. Right now, the Panthers sit 17.6 million over the cap, per Spotrac. Middling results will not be enough for Fitterer to keep his job. Names like Will McClay or Brandon Hunt merit consideration.

Ep 135: 49ers Move To 3-0, NFC South Buy or Sell, Week 3 Picks/Predictions
by Full Press Coverage on September 24, 2023 at 3:13 pm

MORE PODCASTS From FPC

Make Wilks Comfortable

Unlike Fitterer, who doesn’t seem to have a connection to this franchise, Steve Wilks possesses that in abundance. A Charlotte native, Wilks brings stability and the ability to reach his team. In the last three games, Wilks’ defense generated five turnovers against fairly potent offenses. More importantly, Wilks is not a retread. Although he coached a year in Arizona, he never received a fair shot at running a team and seeing it through. Wilks’ defenses pressured the quarterback to the tune of forty-nine sacks. Plus, the defensive until, to a man, vouches and swears by him. Making the interim tag disappear provides the team with an easier transition. Depending on how the final twelve games shake out, Wilks could sit in the big chair.

Build A Set Of Triplets

If the Panthers want to truly craft a team from the bottom up, they need young cornerstones. Neither D.J. Moore nor Robbie Anderson should fit into the long-term plans. While talented, the shockingly-low catch percentage is a reason why so many drives stall out and the Panthers need to punt. If the team retains one, let it be Moore, a better player, a better route runner. Meanwhile, the gaping holes at quarterback and running back exist. Chances are the Panthers will finish with a pick within the first five. Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud stand head and shoulders above others in this draft class. Somehow, someway, the Panthers need to invest in a young franchise quarterback. In addition, signing a veteran back to pair with a rookie running back. Carolina needs offensive talent. The NFC South won’t tolerate anything less.

Around Full Press Coverage

OPINION: Morten Andersen: The Toughest Place To Kick? For Me, It Was This Place

NFL: NFL 2022: Five Key Statistics for Week 2

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs Stock Report: Week 2 2022

FULL PRESS BETS: NFL MVP Odds: Patrick Mahomes Leapfrogs Josh Allen For Top Spot

FANTASY FOOTBALL: Fantasy Football Value Picks In Every Round

PODCAST: Full Press NFL Podcast Ep 54: Chargers At Chiefs Preview

Overview

Above all else, the Carolina Panthers can rebuild and still be competitive. Yes, bumps in the road will occur. However, with a better-than-average defense, part of the foundation exists. The NFC South will continue to change. With three uncertain futures for opposing quarterbacks, the Panthers could compete inside of two years. With that said, a quick, careless spending spree will not fix this mess. Steve Wilks, in concert with a sound organizational strategy, will work. The ball and the paycheck lie with David Tepper. Jumping for the hot coaching name rarely works. Trading for washed, underachieving passers does not work, either.