Panthers owner David Tepper: HC Matt Rhule has 'full support'

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper watched his team go 10-23 under head coach Matt Rhule the past two seasons and recently heard general manager Scott Fitterer admit that "we do need a quarterback" after the franchise traded for Sam Darnold roughly 12 months ago. 

Tepper remarked during a Wednesday press conference he believes the Panthers "have a very good quarterback in Sam Darnold." According to Darin Gantt of the club's website, Tepper also insisted that Rhule has his "full support" ahead of the draft that opens on Thursday night. 

"I do believe that coach Rhule and Scott are doing a great job creating that foundation," Tepper explained. "I do think we have made improvements in the coaching staff; we have done a good job during free agency to fill holes. Obviously, we have some needs, and we're going to try to attempt to fill some of those in the draft. I'm fairly optimistic about the new season given all the different things that have happened here."

On Tuesday, Fitterer teased he could select a quarterback with pick No. 6 of the draft, and Carolina has repeatedly been linked in rumors with Pittsburgh Panthers product Kenny Pickett. It's also thought Fitterer could be among executives waiting to see if the Cleveland Browns will package signal-caller Baker Mayfield with a draft choice to get Mayfield and his $18.858 million of fully guaranteed salary for 2022 off the books before the summer months arrive.