Search for a quarterback is “open”

Of course, the Panthers have been working on this for a few years, since signing, then parting ways with Teddy Bridgewater after a year, and then bringing in Darnold last season. That creates a natural pressure for the Panthers to get it as right as they can as soon as they can, but Fitterer said you can’t move out of desperation, either.

“You don’t ever want to force a quarterback decision,” he said. “But we’re going to be aggressive about it and look at every single option out there. You can’t just sit to the back and let things happen. we’re going to explore every option, and if it makes sense, we’re going to do it, and we’re going to be aggressive about it.”

He also acknowledged the pressure that comes with that need for an aggressive move.

“Winning can’t happen fast enough around here,” Fitterer said. “There is urgency, and there’s an opportunity this year, and as long as we make good decisions one after another and keep tracking and building in the right way, it’ll happen. I know for Mr. Tepper and Nicole (Tepper), it can’t happen fast enough, or for myself or for (head coach Matt Rhule).

“I get the frustration from the fan base. We need to push it. That’s our responsibility. We need to put a product on the field that can win, and so that’s our emphasis, and I would love for it to be this year.”

The Panthers also have to address the elephant in the room that is quarterback Cam Newton, who is an unrestricted free agent. He played well in a limited role in his comeback game against the Cardinals, and then the following week against Washington. After that, he struggled to pass the ball effectively, and he sat in favor of Darnold the final two weeks of the season.

Fitterer said bringing back Newton remains a possibility at some level, but they didn’t want to say too much before sitting down face-to-face with the former No. 1 overall pick, which is what they said they’d do when they met with him in November at owner David Tepper’s home. That next meeting will happen before the start of free agency on March 16.