4 problems preventing a Deshaun Watson trade to the Panthers

Lack of draft capital

Any move for Deshaun Watson is going to cost the Carolina Panthers. The potential trade package needs to consist of some talented players – with only a small few off the table – in addition to some high-end NFL Draft picks over the next couple of years to further sweeten the deal.

Adding Watson would be a game-changer.

But could it compromise what head coach Matt Rhule is trying to build?

A team is only as good as its quarterback. The Panthers’ 5-11 record would have looked far more promising had Teddy Bridgewater managed to win even half of the eight game-winning or tying drives last time out, which could have even come with a surprise playoff berth in the process.

Giving up first-round selections is a given in this sort of deal. But the Panthers don’t have as much to offer as other reported parties of interest such as the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets. So general manager Scott Fitterer would need to get creative to pull off this landmark move.

Taking a signal-caller in the first round is a gamble that doesn’t always pay off.

For every Aaron Rodgers or Patrick Mahomes there is a Ryan Leaf and JaMarcus Russell, so getting someone of proven capability would be far more beneficial to Carolina than deciding on an exciting prospect such as Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, or even Mac Jones with boom or bust potential.

The risk regarding Watson is minimal. But the price will be astronomical.