Panthers Vice President of Football Operations resigns after 18 years in Carolina

Carolina Panthers Vice President of Football Operations Steven Drummond reportedly resigned on Wednesday, according to Adam Schefter. Drummond had been in Carolina for 18 years. Schefter also shared that the former VP is getting his MBA at the University of North Carolina.

Prior to his work with the Panthers, Drummond worked for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Carolina released a statement on Wednesday, including a message from the former exec.

“With the changes this offseason, this seemed like a good time to transition to other interests,” Drummond wrote. “I have enjoyed my time with the Panthers and appreciate the opportunities they gave me. I will continue to root for their success.”

The Panthers are little more than two weeks away from welcoming a brand new draft class. They opted to go big with a trade for the No. 1 overall pick, which they’ll likely use on a quarterback.

Carolina’s front office has been using the last few weeks to scout draft prospects, bring some of those prospects in for visits and sign some new faces as well.

Panthers sign veteran cornerback

On Thursday, free agent cornerback Eric Rowe signed with the Carolina Panthers. Rowe played the last four seasons with the Miami Dolphins.

He began his career as a cornerback with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015 after the team drafted him in the second round out of Utah. However, he played just one season with the team before a September 2016 trade to the New England Patriots.

Rowe spent three seasons with New England and won two Super Bowls with the Patriots. In free agency back in 2019, Rowe signed with the Dolphins.

Last season, Rowe finished with 56 total tackles, 42 solo tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, two pass deflections and two forced fumbles. In his career, Rowe has 381 total tackles, 272 solo tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, five interceptions, 41 pass deflections, six forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

More on the 2023 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2023 calendar year began at 4 p.m. ET on March 15. At that time, contracts running through 2022 officially ran out, making those players free agents.

Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams had a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 7.

The legal negotiation period spanned from March 13 through March 15. The new year marked the beginning of all trades going official per the league office. April 21 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 26, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits.

On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this report.