In a somewhat shocking move, the Carolina Panthers fired General Manager David Gettleman yesterday. Gettleman had been with the team since 2013, drafting defensive stalwarts such as Star Lotulelei, Kawann Short, Shaq Thompson and Vernon Butler. However, letting franchise legends Steve Smith and Jordan Gross leave — coupled with Gettleman’s reluctance to extend the contracts of Greg Olsen and Thomas Davis — are generally believed to be the twin causes for his dismissal.
Having recorded three consecutive 1,000 yard seasons, Olsen has been threatening to sit out until he gets a new contract. Davis, who has been with the team since 2005, has also been wanting a contract extension. Gettleman cultivated a culture of mystery and “unknowingness” in the Panther’s front office. Compound this with his handling of the Josh Norman situation last season, Gettleman had already been treading on thin ice. Though a shock as the firing comes weeks before training camp, this move was much needed by Carolina as they attempt to maintain their core and return to form as the only consecutive NFC South champions.
There had been rumblings that all was not well with Gettleman and owner Jerry Richardson stemming from allowing star CB Josh Norman to walk.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 17, 2017
