NFL Network Insider Ian Rappaport has reported that the Washington Football Team is in the process of hiring Matt Hurney as their new General Manager [per sources]. Below is a timeline of Hurney’s previous history working in the NFL:
- [1988-1989] – Hurney works in the public relations department for the Washington Football Team.
- [1990-1997] -Bobby Beatherd hires Hurney as the assistant General Manager for the San Diego Chargers. Hurney works there for eight seasons.
- [1998-2001] – The Carolina Panthers hire Hurney as their Director of Player Operations. He works under this title there for three seasons.
- [2002] – The Panthers choose to hire Hurney as their General Manager.
- [2003] – In Hurney’s second year as General Manager the Panthers make it to the Super Bowl.
- [2011] – Ron Rivera is hired to Head Coach the Panthers by Hurney. Rivera and Hurney choose to draft quarterback Cam Newton with the first overall pick in that year’s NFL Draft.
- [2012] – Hurney helps convince the Panthers to draft Linebacker Luke Kuechly with the ninth overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. After a 1-5 start to the season, Hurney is fired from his position as the Panthers General Manager.
- [2017] – The Panthers hire Hurney as their General Manager for the second time.
- [2018] – Hurney is placed on administrative leave following a harassment accusation by his ex-wife Jeanne Hurney. That same year Hurney was found not guilty and was therefore re-instated as the Panthers full-time General Manager.
- [2019] – Hurney was relieved of his duties by Panthers Head Coach Matt Rhule and Team Owner David Tepper.
Could This Reunion be a Sign of Things to Come?
Assuming Washington ends up hiring Hurney, this would serve as Rivera and Hurney’s third work reunion. Given that both Hurney and Rivera have an extensive history working with Patriots quarterback Cam Newton, one has to wonder if the pair would express interest in signing the 31-year-old quarterback.
NFL Analyst Field Yates believes that Washington would be the best fit for Patriots Quarterback Cam Newton.
“This would be a reunion with Ron Rivera and Scott Turner, who coached Cam in Carolina. While Washington does still have Alex Smith under contract for two more seasons, his salary is not guaranteed beyond this season. His return was one of the best stories in all of sports in 2020, and staying in Washington shouldn’t be ruled out, but it likely would come at a reduced cost. Newton isn’t in a position of leverage to command major money but would represent a low-risk bridge option for Washington as it angles for its long-term starter via the draft.”
Field Yates, per NESN
Yates is not alone amongst experts in holding this belief.
ESPN Analyst Adam Schefter mentioned that Washington would be the most obvious landing spot for Cam Newton [in free-agency] if the Patriots choose not to re-sign him. In that same report, Schefter projected that Washington would sign Newton on a two-year deal worth $40-$50 million.
If this prediction is correct, Washington’s cast would somewhat replicate that of the Panthers from years past. Do you think the Washington Football Team would be successful if they hired/signed either Hurney or Newton? Feel free to answer this very question in your response below!
