Carolina Panthers: GM Gettleman Has Fightin’ Words For Agents

Relationships between NFL front offices and player agents has always been mercurial at best, and Carolina Panthers GM Dave Gettleman prove that again.

Keep in mind there are many in the league who remember a time when agents didn’t exist. It was simpler (and cheaper) times. Some have come to resent such representatives, trying to pry undeserved money out of team pockets for a player whose value is grossly overinflated, at least in their minds. A number of executives still hold to that mindset, and have established themselves as men who won’t be moved by player demands.

A good example is Mike Maccagnan of the New York Jets, who continues to hold to his price tag extended to quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. However, the man that has brought this often icy relationship to the forefront is Dave Gettleman of the Carolina Panthers. He made headlines over a month ago when his team inexplicably rescinded their franchise tag of All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman, allowing him to hit the free agent market.

Gettleman stated that it was clear a long-term deal was never going to get worked out. He didn’t hold Norman to the same value that the asking price was and didn’t believe in a philosophy paying big for corners anyway. Since then, the GM hasn’t backed off from that move. If anything he delivered a thinly-veiled challenge to all agents around the league that they can expect more of the same from him.

"“I’d like to think agents have figured out they can’t scare me,” Gettleman told the publication. “They can’t squeeze me. I’m not going to panic. I’m not going to give money away. It’s a waste of time.”"

While the honesty is prevalent, some believe this is not the kind of thing a GM should say. Not if he wants to give his team a chance to acquire potential talents that can help the Carolina Panthers win football games. Then again Gettleman is a veteran of the business and one of the most noted talent evaluators. He probably feels any player the team loses due to money disagreements he can replace through the draft.

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One can understand the confidence. In just three years he’s already drafted six starters for his team including two Pro Bowlers in Kawann Short and Trai Turner. Still, these comments threaten to create a more contentious situation with players moving forward. Short, who is due for a new contract will be right at the forefront. Is he prepared to back up his words when more indispensable players start digging in their heels?

This could have a significant impact across the league depending on how this showdown plays out in the months and years to come.

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