4 problems preventing a Deshaun Watson trade to the Panthers
By Dean Jones
Christian McCaffrey’s contract
If you think that Christian McCaffrey shouldn’t be involved in any potential trade for Deshaun Watson, then one must ignore any sense of positional value associated with NFL franchises.
The star running back might be one of the best dual-threat weapons in the business. But getting a generational talent under center is the opportunity of a lifetime and one that shouldn’t be passed up no matter what the cost.
However, there is McCaffrey’s new deal to consider.
The All-Pro penned a four-year, $64 million deal with a $21 million signing bonus and $38 million guaranteed before he embarked on a 2020 season where McCaffrey featured just three times due to various injuries.
If the Carolina Panthers decided to pursue a deal that included McCaffrey, it would need the Texans’ approval of taking on such a significant financial outlay for a running back who goes into the next season with some health concerns.
There is also the dead-cap figure to consider from the Panthers’ point of view.
Had Carolina waited to give McCaffrey a new deal, then it would have been a more attractive proposal for all parties involved.
Finding a top back is far easier than acquiring someone like Watson. Losing McCaffrey would be a bitter blow, but it could easily come with better fortunes with the former Clemson signal-caller returning to the Carolinas.