Just how that affects quarterback Cam Newton's long-term future with the team remains unclear.
Gettleman said the Panthers will take a wait-and-see approach when it comes to Hardy's future with the team.
Gettleman inherited a team in 2013 that was $16 million over the NFL salary cap,Authentic Jerseys From China.
"I think we are close, and I think we can get even closer,Cheap Jerseys Online," Rivera said. "But we have to be right on,Cheap NFL Jerseys Stitched, we have to make good decisions and bring in the right kind of guys, coach them up and put them in position to have success."
The team's biggest unrestricted free agent is Greg Hardy, who was limited to one game last season following a domestic violence conviction. Hardy is appealing the ruling and a jury trial is set to begin Feb. 9 in Charlotte.
"Just like our team,Cheap Jerseys From China, we need him to be more consistent and the players around him to be more consistent," Gettleman said.
Gettleman said while Bell showed flashes this season, he lacked consistency and "I think we've shown that if a player shows up that we think will make us better, we're going to go get him."
Poor mechanics continue to plague Newton, but Gettleman said it is a building process.
He's encouraged the team only has 11 unrestricted free agents this offseason, as opposed to 22 last year.
"We're in a better place,Jerseys NFL China," Gettleman said. "We have younger talent under contract. So we're in a better place."
However, Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott is expected to be a hot commodity and will interview this week for the New York Jets head coaching job.
Rivera said he believes the Panthers aren't that far from winning a Super Bowl after two straight playoff appearances.
Newton endured a rough fourth season — on and off the field.
The Panthers currently stand about $14 million under the projected 2015 salary cap.
"Everybody wants a player to be great yesterday," Gettleman said. "It just doesn't work that way with everybody. It takes time."
The Panthers rallied to win the NFC South at 7-8-1 and a playoff game against Arizona, but Newton finished with career lows in yards passing (3,127) and touchdowns (18). He had 12 interceptions and a career-low five touchdowns rushing.
Rivera said he doesn't anticipate any changes to his coaching staff this season after the Panthers won the NFC South championship for the second straight season.
"Until his situation changes, there is nothing to talk about,Cheap Jerseys From China Outlet," Gettleman said.
He had ankle surgery last March, fractured his ribs in the preseason and fractured two small bones in his lower back following a car accident on Dec. 9.
Gettleman reiterated at a postseason news conference that he believes Newton is Carolina's "franchise quarterback," but declined to discuss if he plans to sign the two two-time Pro Bowler to a long-term contract extension.
Rivera has repeatedly put his support behind Hardy and didn't waver from that on Tuesday, saying "you guys know how I feel about him."
Byron Bell struggled there this season after spending three seasons at right tackle. Like Hardy, he's set to become an unrestricted free agent.
It didn't help that he played behind a young offensive line that struggled early in the season and with an entirely new group of wide receivers following an offseason of change.
"Last year we were shopping at the Dollar Store," Gettleman said Tuesday. "This year we might be able to move up in class a little."
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — General manager Dave Gettleman said the Carolina Panthers are finally emerging from two years of being strapped under the NFL salary cap, and could be bigger players in free agency this offseason.
Left tackle is a glaring area of need.
"I love who he is for us and what he's done for us," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said. "I do envision him continuing to grow for us. I think he can be a really special, special, special player."
"If you only look at the first 12 games, there were a lot of us that should have been thrown out on our ear," Rivera said of his staff. "But if you break down the last six, all of a sudden it looks a lot better."
Newton has one year remaining on his contract and is set to make $14.6 million next season.
Rivera said the Panthers' biggest needs are the same as last season — wide receiver, offensive line
