Panthers promote in-house candidate to VP of football administration

The Carolina Panthers made a big promotion public on Wednesday, announcing the elevation of Samir Suleiman. Suleiman previously served as director of player negotiations and salary cap manager. He is now the vice president of football administration in Charlotte.

Suleiman joined the Panthers and general manager, Scott Fitterer, in 2020.

“Samir’s been instrumental for us over the past year,” Fitterer said. “From signing Haason Reddick and other free agents last offseason, he has done a great job for us. We rely on him and his ability to manage the salary cap every day. He’s a big part of what we do here.”

According to the Panthers’ leadership, Suleiman will continue to play a pivotal role. Specifically, his role will expand in “the budgeting and finance function” of the football operation.

Prior to joining the Carolina Panthers, Suleiman was with the Pittsburgh Steelers for eight years. He has also worked for the Jacksonville Jaguars and L.A. Rams.

Panthers defenders ranked as top potential free agents

The Carolina Panthers are coming off a 2021 campaign where the defense ranked as the top unit in the NFL for a major part of the season.

With a make-or-break season for Matt Rhule and the Panthers’ coaching staff seemingly approaching in 2022, the organization’s brass is going to have to get creative when it comes to keeping some of its top defensive stars.

ESPN highlighted the 50 best available free agents heading into next season, and two Carolina Panthers star defenders made the list.

Hasson Reddick: No. 20

“Reddick signed a one-year prove-it deal with the Panthers after his 12.5-sack season with the Cardinals in 2020 — and more or less proved it,” the ESPN piece highlighted. “He finished the season with 11 sacks in 16 games, showing exceptional efficiency as a pass-rusher. His 23.5 sacks in the past two seasons ranks No. 5 in the NFL over that period, and he did it in 728 pass-rushing snaps — fewer than anyone ahead of him on the list.”

Stephon Gilmore: No. 21

“When the Patriots decided against signing him to a significant contract extension, Gilmore got himself traded to the Panthers,” ESPN said.

“He was largely buried in the Panthers’ second-half swoon, but in the right environment, he provided a veteran anchor who can still play press-man coverage for a defensive backfield.”

On3’s Sean Labar contributed to this report.