4 problems preventing a Deshaun Watson trade to the Panthers
By Dean Jones
Teddy Bridgewater’s production
Had Teddy Bridgewater done a little better under center for the Carolina Panthers in 2020, then putting him as part of the deal might have been easier than it currently looks. The free-agent signing was serviceable and largely as advertised, but his inability to come through in the clutch is something that resulted in the player going 0-8 on game-winning or tying drives this season.
Couple this with a clear lack of confidence down the stretch, and it’s left Bridgewater facing an uncertain future with two years remaining on his deal.
If the Panthers are intent on pursuing Deshaun Watson – who is a clear upgrade in every possible area in comparison to what Bridgewater produced in 2020 – then it is another damning indictment of what the coaching staff thought of his overall contribution.
They’ve already brought in Dwayne Haskins for a visit following his release by the Washington Football Team before Scott Fitterer came into the organization. But attempting to trade for Watson is a completely different ball game.
If the Texans do end up taking Bridgewater and a bounty of draft picks from Carolina, it would be a one-year arrangement before a realistic out in 2022. This would not go down well with Houston’s fanbase, but if Watson continues to voice his displeasure then it would leave them with no other option other than to move him on.
Bridgewater would’ve been an enticing proposition had he done more – especially over the last few games – but that was simply not the case and it would be a hard sell from the Panthers’ perspective.