### The Lasting Impact of Dave Gettleman's Tenure on the Panthers and Giants

A general manager can be the linchpin that transforms an NFL franchise, but the wrong person in that position can leave a legacy of turmoil and failure. Few exemplify this dichotomy more than Dave Gettleman, whose leadership as GM for both the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants has had long-lasting negative repercussions. Despite a collective nine-year run in these roles, his decisions have contributed to ongoing struggles for both organizations.

Gettleman's NFL journey began in 1986 with the Buffalo Bills, where he worked as a scout. His major break came in 1998 when he joined the New York Giants as director of pro personnel, serving under Jerry Reese. During this period, the Giants saw great success, including two Super Bowl victories in 2008 and 2012. This track record made Gettleman seem like an ideal candidate for the Panthers when they hired him as GM.

However, Gettleman's tenure in Carolina demonstrated why he had not previously secured a GM position despite decades in the league. His outdated football philosophy centered around what he called "Hog Mollies"—large, strong players on both the offensive and defensive lines. This approach was already antiquated and did not align with the evolving dynamics of modern football. Alienating key players like Jordan Gross and Steve Smith, Gettleman made personnel decisions that weakened the team rather than strengthened it. His selections in the draft, such as Kelvin Benjamin and Vernon Butler, showed a concerning disregard for the Panthers' actual needs, particularly on the offensive line.

Returning to the Giants as GM in 2018, Gettleman repeated many of his past mistakes. His decision to trade star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and to invest heavily in aging offensive tackle Nate Solder exemplified his flawed strategy. Draft choices under his leadership, notably Daniel Jones and Kadarius Toney, failed to make the desired impact. From 2018 to 2021, the Giants made 32 draft picks, out of which 26 players are no longer with the team, and nine are out of the NFL entirely.

For the Panthers, Gettleman’s failure to reinforce the offensive line contributed to the decline of quarterback Cam Newton, who was sacked over 35 times each season during Gettleman’s tenure. These hits took a toll, contributing to injuries that ultimately shortened Newton's career. The lack of effective drafting and poor roster management set the team back for years.

The Giants, still reeling from Gettleman's choices, have had to resort to extensive rebuilding efforts. The attempts to make Daniel Jones work as their quarterback failed, and the team now turns to Jaxson Dart to lead them forward. The lack of talent left on the roster turned the Giants into one of the NFL's worst teams, forcing the organization to trade for players and rebuild through the draft slowly.

In the annals of NFL history, Dave Gettleman remains a beloved figure within certain circles, yet his time as a general manager is a cautionary tale. His legacy is marked by significant missteps that left two franchises struggling to reclaim former glories.