Three hottest seats on the Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have more hot coaching candidates than coaches on the hot seat. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero interviewed for several head-coaching positions this offseason -- including Carolina's -- and the team added former NFL journeyman QB Josh McCown as its QB coach. He was a finalist for the Texans head job a year ago.
That doesn't mean everyone is safe. Here are three who will be on the hottest seats in Carolina:
1. General manager Scott Fitterer
Fitterer, entering his third year as Panthers GM, finally put his thumbprint on the organization in 2022. At the trade deadline, he dealt RB Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers for second-, third- and fourth-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft and a fifth round pick in 2024.
He also fired the head coach, Matt Rhule, whom he had inherited.
This offseason, he chose former Colts head coach Frank Reich over interim head coach Steve Wilks, who did more than enough to earn the job full time.
If the team struggles under Reich and fails to acquire a top QB prospect in the draft, Fitterer's seat will get hot in a hurry. That's doubly so because Carolina reportedly is one of several teams uninterested in making a play for free agent QB Lamar Jackson.
The Panthers already struck out on Derek Carr, and after failing to land Matthew Stafford in 2021 and Russell Wilson in 2022, Fitterer should face intense scrutiny from owner David Tepper if he doesn't solve the team's QB issue.
1. Running back Chuba Hubbard
The former Oklahoma State star could be in line for a bigger workload if the Panthers don't retain D'Onta Foreman, who could be a hot commodity in free agency.
Hubbard could be the featured guy on an offense Reich has insisted will emphasize the running game. In two seasons, Hubbard has 267 carries, 1,078 yards and seven touchdowns.
Hubbard has two years left on his rookie deal, but 2023 is a pivotal season in his young career. He could carve out a space as a key player in the new regime or join Rhule and McCaffrey as relics of an old one.
3. Cornerback Donte Jackson
Jackson could be a cap casualty after a disappointing 2022, but if he is in Carolina in 2023, it will be a make-or-break season for the year for the five-year pro.
Per Pro Football Focus, Jackson allowed 36 receptions on 47 targets in 2022, with quarterbacks posting an above-average passer rating (92.7).
Per OverTheCap, the team would save $10.6 million by cutting Jackson during the 2024 offseason. That might be a necessity if he repeats last season's performance.
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