The Fallout from Dave Gettleman’s Tenure
A skilled general manager certainly has the power to transform an NFL franchise, but a poor one can leave behind significant destruction. Today, we reflect on the deep scars left on the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants thanks to Dave Gettleman’s time in charge.
If you talk to fans of both the Panthers and Giants, you’ll likely hear it loud and clear: many consider Gettleman the worst GM in their franchises’ histories.
Gettleman spent nine years in the NFL, with five in Carolina and four in New York, during which he created a range of issues that the teams are still addressing. He took what was once a manageable roster, marred by bad coaching hires and poor draft choices, and put it through further turmoil.
Understanding Gettleman’s Background
Gettleman has been involved with the NFL since 1986, starting out as a scout. He joined the Giants in 1998, where he spent over a decade as a director of professional personnel under Jerry Reese. This era was marked by the Giants’ success, including two Super Bowl wins in 2008 and 2012, thanks to savvy maneuvers like the Eli Manning contract and drafting key players like Osi Umenyiora.
When Carolina hired Gettleman, expectations were, understandably, high. The team had a history of playoff appearances and a roster that promised potential. However, it soon became evident why he had spent nearly three decades without being named GM until then.
Gettleman’s Old-School Approach
Upon joining the Panthers, Gettleman’s perspective on football diverged sharply from the team’s existing strategy. While others pushed for speed and versatility, Gettleman famously espoused his love for “Hog Mollies,” a term he borrowed from Keith Jackson, referring to large, powerful linemen, regardless of their technical skills.
His obsession with size led to tensions within the locker room, as many players found themselves at odds with his vision. For instance, All-Pro left tackle Jordan Gross unexpectedly retired shortly after Gettleman’s hiring, followed by the departure of star wide receiver Steve Smith and a refusal to extend DeAngelo Williams’ contract.
Instead, he seemingly prepared the team for failure by neglecting crucial areas, like the offensive line, based on his belief in Cam Newton’s mobility, while opting for draft picks that didn’t address immediate needs.
Draft Missteps
Gettleman’s failures extended beyond personnel decisions; his draft strategies were often questionable at best. He did manage to draft two standout running backs—Christian McCaffrey with the Panthers and Saquon Barkley with the Giants. But beyond that, the draft history during his time was dismal.
In 2014, the Panthers needed offensive line help, but instead of addressing it by picking solid prospects like Joel Bitonio or Morgan Moses, they chose Kelvin Benjamin, arguably a misguided decision given Steve Smith’s recent release. The same trend continued the following year with the selection of Shaq Thompson instead of much-needed offensive linemen.
This pattern of ignoring significant roster gaps continued during his later tenure with the Giants, where poor picks left the team struggling to find its footing. From 2018 through 2021, out of 32 draft picks made, only six remained on the team.
Rebuilding Efforts
The aftermath of Gettleman’s reign left the Panthers and Giants in disarray. The Panthers faced their own set of challenges, particularly due to drafting failures that set them up for long-term issues. Cam Newton’s career suffered greatly, as he endured heavy hits without adequate protection, changing the course of his game and potentially leading to injuries that would hinder his effectiveness.
On the other hand, the Giants are also still striving to recover four years post-Gettleman. While they’ve tried to invest in Daniel Jones, results have been subpar, and now the organization must start anew with a different quarterback. Their rebuilding process, however, has been complicated by a lack of talented players left behind by Gettleman.
Ultimately, while Gettleman may be a respected figure in certain NFL circles, his legacy as a general manager is marred by failure—his time with the Panthers and Giants remains a cautionary tale of what can happen when poor decisions compound over the years.
