As the Chicago Bears prepare to make their first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, those connected to the Carolina Panthers may feel a sense of regret. This feeling stems from the fact that the Panthers had traded away the No. 1 overall selection, making it seemingly easy for the Bears.
Scott Fitterer confidently stated that the Panthers were set to excel by selecting a quarterback and moving forward with their plans. They had traded up in the previous draft to secure the top pick for Bryce Young, a move that seemed like a win-win situation at the time.
However, Fitterer’s optimistic predictions turned out to be far from reality. The Panthers faced a disastrous season with lackluster leadership and poor performance on the field. The decision to trade away their top selection came back to haunt them as the Bears now have the opportunity to bolster their team by picking Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall.
Despite the chaos and mismanagement that ensued, there is hope for a fresh start for the Panthers. The new front-office leadership is working diligently to rebuild the team and establish professionalism and purpose within the organization. Although tough decisions had to be made to rectify past mistakes, the future looks promising under the new management.
In retrospect, Fitterer’s tenure with the Panthers was marked by missteps and failures. The aftermath of his departure has shed light on the dysfunction within the organization and served as a catalyst for much-needed change. The upcoming draft pick by the Bears signifies a new chapter for the Panthers, one that holds the potential for a resurgence both on and off the field.
