3 potential trades for the Panthers to land Deshaun Watson
By Luke Tucker
Trade Package No. 1
If the Houston Texans do trade Deshaun Watson, it will all but ensure a total rebuild.
If that’s the case, Teddy Bridgewater could be the perfect bridge quarterback until the Texans find their new guy. His late-game falters wouldn’t be an issue during a rebuild, and his contract allows for some flexibility after the 2021 season.
In addition to Bridgewater, the Carolina Panthers would undoubtedly have to include some draft capital as well. That automatically means that the No. 8 overall selection in April’s draft would be sent to Houston as part of any potential package.
The Panthers would also hypothetically send their 2022 first-rounder as well, and possibly even another mid-round pick either this year or next.
Assuming the Panthers are able to acquire Watson – which currently remains nothing more than speculation – he would provide an immediate upgrade at the position. The dual-threat quarterback has grown into one of the most gifted passers in the NFL and is much more mobile than Bridgewater.
Add in the fact that Carolina already has D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, and Christian McCaffrey on offense, and Watson would easily have the best supporting cast of his young career. If offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Curtis Samuel return to the organization, then this scenario only becomes more enticing.