On Thursday, the NFL Network's Jason La Canfora reported that the Carolina Panthers are expected to hire an external candidate as their next general manager, and it could happen fast. As it stands at this moment, Lake Dawson appears to be in the lead.

While the team has spoken to a trio of candidates over the last few weeks, the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that Dawson, currently serving as the assistant college scouting director for the Buffalo Bills, is the only one to receive a second interview. Pelissero maintained that the Panthers aren't close to making a decision yet, but Dawson is a “strong candidate.”

The two other possible general managers Carolina has interviewed are San Francisco 49ers personnel executive Martin Mayhew and Houston Texans assistant GM Jimmy Raye III.

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is shown after he led Gang Green to a 32-20 victory against the Miami Dolphins, on Jan. 5, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J.
Aaron Rodgers makes Steelers ‘Super Bowl contenders,’ ex-QB saysLorenzo J Reyna ·
Quarterback, Russell Wilson and Coach Brian Daboll as the New York Giants players participate in their 2025 OTAÕs at the Quest Diagnostic Giants Training Center in East Rutherford.
Russell Wilson drops defiant take on Jaxson DartScotty White ·
Matthew Golden, Packers
Rising Packers rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAsDouglas Fritz ·
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during practice during OTAs at Detroit Lions headquarters and training facility in Allen Park on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
Amon-Ra St. Brown gets real on Lions’ ‘Super Bowl or nothing’ mindsetScotty White ·
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson (R) looks on during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall.
Insider reveals Bears Ben Johnson’s massive 2-week impact on Caleb WilliamsJake Faigus ·
Rams head coach Sean McVay with Rams receiver Konata Mumpfield behind him
Rising Los Angeles Rams rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAsJaren Kawada ·

Their interim general manager, Marty Hurney, interviewed for the full-time job as well and was expected to be a front-runner, but he has since been placed on paid leave after his ex-wife accused him of harassment. That claim has been dropped, so there's still a chance that he'll get back into the mix. Hurney is meeting with an NFL investigator to discuss the matter on Friday.

Dawson played four seasons in the NFL as a wide receiver from 1994 to 1997, all with the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to joining former Panthers executive and current Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane, he worked with the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns. Dawson has interviewed for general manager openings in the past, but it appears he may finally get his shot in Carolina.