4 QB trade targets for the Panthers not named Deshaun Watson
By Dean Jones
Which quarterbacks could the Carolina Panthers look to acquire via trade who are not named Deshaun Watson?
The rumor mill continues to generate some buzz regarding the Carolina Panthers possibly being contention for a bombshell trade to acquire Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans. Depending on the king’s ransom they’d have to give up, it would turn the organization from a losing record to instant playoff contenders in an instant. But there are plenty of other teams who have more to offer if the former Clemson star keeps pushing for a move this offseason.
It appears highly likely that Teddy Bridgewater is going to get some additional competition for his place in the coming weeks. His less than stellar play down the stretch and a complete lack of conviction to come through with the game on the line has left the decision-makers with no alternative other than to explore other options that could do potentially do a better job.
Players of Watson’s caliber rarely become available in their prime.
And certaintly not after the sort of year he had under center.
This is a can’t miss opportunity that could reignite a franchise that has become stagnant in recent years. However, if it doesn’t come off, here are some signal-callers that the Panthers might look to trade for if they cannot land Watson.
Carolina Panthers trade target No. 1
Sam Darnold – New York Jets
Sam Darnold‘s chances of starting for the New York Jets in 2021 look a lot more promising now than they did at any stage of the campaign. This is down to the team winning two games and missing out on the chance to take Trevor Lawrence at No. 1 overall, with new head coach Robert Saleh also giving high praise to the signal-caller after taking over from Adam Gase.
It might be a little too soon to give up on Darnold just yet. The Jets might take someone like Justin Fields or Zach Wilson if they impress during the evaluation process, which would undoubtedly lead to trade offers coming in for their 2018 first-round pick.
Providing the price is right, it might be worth the Carolina Panthers gambling on turning around Darnold’s career and there is a lot to like about his potential under Matt Rhule and Joe Brady with the weapons available.