Deshaun Watson could be the statement GM Scott Fitterer needs
By Dean Jones
How could Fitterer pull this off?
Players like Deshaun Watson don’t come around every day. This is a quarterback who was nothing short of phenomenal in 2020 despite the Houston Texans winning just four games and there is no telling how much better he can become in a more stable environment.
While this would be seen as the boldest of moves by Scott Fitterer during his early stages with the Carolina Panthers, it would certainly get fans immediately onside no matter the cost.
Obviously, any potential trade for Watson would need the approval of head coach Matt Rhule, who has been given plenty of authority by owner David Tepper following his arrival from Baylor last year. This would involve giving up a bounty of 2021 and 2022 NFL Draft picks and probably some players thrown in, and even that might not be enough to get the Texans to part ways with their most prized possession.
However, as the old saying goes.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
This is a tough sell whichever way one looks at it. Fitterer would need to convince Houston to take on some of the team’s previous mistakes – mainly Teddy Bridgewater – and giving up draft picks when the new appointment has a good track record of finding the right guys coming out of college is another big factor that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Watson is a generational talent who deserves better. He would definitely find that on the Panthers.