3 potential trades for the Panthers to land Deshaun Watson

Trade Package No. 3

If this trade were to go down, it would easily be the biggest blockbuster in Carolina Panthers’ history. In this scenario, head coach Matt Rhule would not only get a franchise quarterback in Deshaun Watson but also one of the NFL’s most fearsome pass-rushers, along with a little bit of draft compensation.

At 31-years-old, J.J. Watt isn’t the player he was earlier in his career. But he’s just two years removed from a 16-sack season.

Watt didn’t have an eye-popping year on the stat sheet in 2020 but was graded the seventh-best edge defender in all of football by Pro Football Focus. Even still, he doesn’t have to be his old self in this scenario, because lining up at the other end of the line of scrimmage the Panthers would have Brian Burns, who is quickly becoming one of the best in the league.

Both teams get things they desperately need in this trade. The Texans acquire their bridge quarterback and plenty of picks to kickstart their rebuild, as well as a good young linebacker who can play multiple positions.

The Panthers secure a true franchise signal-caller who can not only help the team win games and reach the playoffs but be real contenders in the near future, in addition to getting a terrific player as well as mentor and leader in Watt.

This scenario is the most unlikely of the three, but largely in part because of the immensity of it.

The logistics work though, and each team would come out for the better. Not to mention it’s fun to think about.

4 Panthers players who must be re-signed this offseason

The Carolina Panthers finished the 2020 season with 26 players set to become free agents, including two of their most reliable players from this past year.

Carolina doesn’t have the draft capital other teams do regarding a trade. But if Rhule and team owner David Tepper are serious about winning, it could be time they make a move like this.