Combine notebook: Free agent discussions continue

— As much as the Panthers have talked about the need to reinforce the line — and it’s a huge issue — Fitterer said the evaluations of new offensive line coach James Campen have been helpful, and could mean they don’t need as many bodies.

“Coach Campen is optimistic about the guys we have on the roster, their development, guys he thinks can play,” Fitterer said. “We’re also going to go outside. We are going to address it in free agency and the draft as well. We’ll get that position settled. That’s been an emphasis since Day 1 since the season ended, is getting this offensive line right. And that’s what our focus is.”

— As the guy who declared himself “in on every deal,” it’s no surprise that Fitterer effectively covered every base Wednesday.

He suggested the Panthers could easily trade back from sixth overall to accumulate more picks, though he stressed the chance to add an impact player. He also mentioned trading existing players to make up for missing picks (their second, third, and fourth), or dipping into future picks (though he’s hesitant to do that).

“Oh, yeah. We can definitely look at that,” he said of trading back. “Now, if there’s a franchise-type player sitting there and we think he can be a cornerstone for us the next 10 years, we’re going to take him. You don’t pass on a really good foundation piece. However, if there’s opportunities or the compensation is so much you can’t pass on it, we’ll always go back and look at other options, because there’s a lot of good players in this draft.”

— Fitterer mentioned that while there has been discussion about how to use Jeremy Chinn in the future, he’s likely a safety based on the current roster. Incumbent starter Juston Burris is an unrestricted free agent as well.

“He’s probably around the ball more when he’s up, but he’s a really good safety,” Fitterer said of Chinn. “Luvu can play linebacker, Shaq (Thompson) is there, we have several guys that can play safety. And we have a hole at safety, so he’s probably better at safety this year.”

— In other news, both quarterbacks Kenny Pickett and Malik Willis confirmed they met with the Panthers here, though that’s an obvious point considering where they are in the quarterback search.