Report: Panthers request interview with Eagles executive Andrew Berry, get denied [UPDATE]

UPDATE: While I was writing this story, NFL Network reported the Eagles declined the Panthers’ request to interview Andrew Berry. As expected.

ORIGINAL STORY BELOW.

The Cleveland Browns aren’t the only NFL team potentially looking to add Philadelphia Eagles vice president of football operations Andrew Berry to their front office this offseason. The Carolina Panthers have also requested an interview with Berry, according to a report from Mark Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Cabot notes he’s interviewing for the title of executive vice president of football operations.

The Eagles could seemingly block Berry from interviewing with the Panthers since he wouldn’t be leaving for a true promotion; Carolina already employs general manager Marty Hurney. But it appears the Panthers are interested in having a replacement in waiting for when the 63-year-old Hurney eventually retires.

The Panthers hired former Eagles employee Taylor Rajack last year to be Carolina’s first ever director of football analytics. Rajack and Berry overlapped for several months in Philly before the former left the Eagles.

On Sunday, NFL insider Adam chefter reported Berry “is a favorite” to be the new Browns general manager. But Cleveland is also reportedly interviewing Minnesota Vikings assistant general manager George Paton for their vacancy. Paton obviously overlapped with former Vikings offensive coordinator and new Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.

One would think the Eagles would prefer to retain Berry if they have their druthers. The Eagles only hired him to their front office less than a year ago. If Berry is offered a GM job with real power (final say on personnel), Philly will not be able to block him from leaving for a promotion. Anything short of that, however, and the Eagles can make him stay.