It was hoped that the hiring of Dan Morgan and Dave Canales by the Carolina Panthers would mark a significant shift in strategy.
It was the right move, in the opinion of at least one former Panthers player, for the team’s future.
Jonathan Steward, a former running back, recently appeared on the Bleav in Carolina podcast. He asserted that the Panthers are comparable to the San Francisco 49ers, who employed Jon Lynch and Kyle Shanahan.
“I think they’re building the right staff front office,” Stewart stated. “Getting the right players will take time. You do realize that the 49ers were in 2017? You consider how long it took Shanahan and John Lynch to get together—six years—to get to this stage. This company is well-managed.”
Stewart spent ten years as a player for the Panthers. In terms of career rushing attempts, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and games with 100 yards or more, he holds the franchise record.
He was a member of the Panthers team that played in the 2015 Super Bowl, so he is familiar with what it takes to succeed in the NFL.
Stewart isn’t in the front office, but he could have a point. Canales was brought on board to maximize Bryce Young’s potential. His experience coaching quarterbacks. In particular, Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield demonstrate his ability to revitalize a quarterback’s career.
During his inaugural press conference, Morgan expressed his desire for the Panthers emblem to inspire dread. Not in quite some time. The Panthers must start at the top of the roster in order to accomplish this.
He seems to be willing to do just that. Regarding talent, the Panthers might not be on par with the 49ers. But it’s headed in the right direction thanks to the franchise’s front office hires.
