The Arizona Cardinals had to say goodbye to a team legend. Adrian Wilson, who after a possible Hall of Fame career and entry into the team’s Ring of Honor, worked his way up in the organization to be their vice president of pro personnel, has left the organization.
After getting passed over for the general manager job that Monti Ossenofrt got, he recently landed a new job, becoming the vice president of player personnel for the Carolina Panthers.
He gets a promotion and the opportunity to go back to his home state of North Carolina.
For the Cardinals and Ossenfort, it was bittersweet.
Ossenfort was asked about it at the NFL combine. Is he more happy or sad for Wilson’s new job?
“I would say both at the same time,” he said. “Adrian was around for a few weeks when I first started and he was able to go through some unrestricted free agent meetings with us. This is a great opportunity for him. I know what he’s meant to this organization as a player and a personnel executive, so yes, I’m sad to see him go but I’m also excited for him and this new chapter and this opportunity for him to go back to his home state and Panthers’ organization.
“So, excited for him, but disappointed that he won’t be with us.”
With Ossenfort bringing in Dave Sears as assistant GM, Wilson was No. 4 in the front office hierarchy after being previously No. 3 and co-No. 1 with Quentin Harris when Steve Keim had his leave of absence.
And with a new GM, it looked unlikely he would be able to progress further.
In Carolina, he gets to go home, move up and prove he can do more somewhere else, which will give him opportunities for interviewing next offseason.
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