If you’ve tuned in to any of Scott Fitterer’s press conferences, then you’ve probably heard the Carolina Panthers general manager mention the name “Samir” a time or two. And here’s why . . .
On Wednesday, the organization officially announced the promotion of Samir Suleiman—who has played an integral role in shaping the current roster. The Panthers have bumped the director of player negotiations and salary cap manager up to vice president of football administration.
“Samir’s been instrumental for us over the past year,” Fitterer said in the official team release. “From signing Haason Reddick and other free agents last offseason, he’s done a great job for us. We rely on him and his ability to manage the salary cap every day, and he’s a big part of what we do here.”
As mentioned by Fitterer, the acquisition of Reddick proved to be a prosperous one for the Panthers in 2021. The fifth-year outside linebacker, under a bargain of a one-year, $6 million deal, posted 11.0 sacks over 16 games for Carolina.
What’s additionally intriguing about that pact is how the overall structure ended up giving the team extra salary cap space throughout the season. Reddick, who for accounted for approximately $1.9 million of a cap hit this past year, will now cost Carolina $4 million in 2022 and $1 million each succeeding campaign until 2025.
That flexibility allowed the Panthers, in part, to bring aboard the likes of cornerback Stephon Gilmore and quarterback Cam Newton in their playoff push.
The 46-year-old cap wiz has also become a hot name in numerous general manager searches. But while Suleiman could see yet another promotion elsewhere very soon—he, Fitterer and head coach Matt Rhule still have some unfinished business in this tumultuous rebuild.
