Should Christian McCaffrey be offered in Deshaun Watson deal?

Would the Carolina Panthers be willing to part with star running back Christian McCaffrey to acquire quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans?

There are plenty of teams keeping a close eye on the ongoing situation regarding Deshaun Watson. The elite quarterback is seeking a move away from the Houston Texans thanks to another frustrating offseason where his opinion became an afterthought in owner Cal McNair’s decision-making process, which could see the Carolina Panthers try and make a bombshell trade for the player.

A lot needs to go Carolina’s way for them to pull this off. Watson would also need to waive his no-trade clause to make a return to the region after starring for Clemson during his college days. But the prospect is a mouth-watering one despite the expected astronomical compensation projected to be involved.

Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle wrote about the possibility of Watson ending up on the Panthers, citing Christian McCaffrey as a focal point for any trade that will also involve some high-end NFL Draft picks over the next couple of years.

"“The only way the Texans could wisely entertain a deal with Carolina would be if they get running back Christian McCaffrey in return along with at least two first-round draft picks.”"

McCaffrey has been the beating heart of the Panthers since arriving as a first-round selection in 2017. He is arguably the league’s best dual-threat back and before an injury-ravaged 2020, he became the third player in NFL history to go over 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season.

This would be a bold move, to put it mildly.

But players like Watson don’t come along every day of the week and if this is what the Texans want, then the discussion needs to be had.