4 hidden benefits to the Panthers landing Deshaun Watson

Increased national exposure

The Carolina Panthers aren’t in the national spotlight as much as they probably deserve. Their relatively encouraging start to Matt Rhule’s reign as head coach didn’t generate any sort of meaningful headlines across the major outlets and not since the days of prime Cam Newton and their Super Bowl appearance in 2015 has the spotlight been on the organization prominently.

Deshaun Watson would change that in an instant.

How many quarterbacks would you take instead of Watson right now? Patrick Mahomes, for sure – and maybe Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson – but nobody else.

This is a player who enjoyed an exceptional 2020 season despite losing his top weapon in DeAndre Hopkins on a team that went 4-12 – which would have given them the No. 3 overall selection had they not traded it to the Miami Dolphins. Watson is only just entering his prime and if he does end up on the Panthers, there is every chance he’ll get even better with so many talented offensive players around him.

Getting more national exposure has no correlation to wins on the gridiron. But it would assist owner David Tepper’s hopes of building up the Carolina brand considerably.

The billionaire has already invested a substantial amount of money to form some exciting plans to progress the organization off the field – centered on their incredible proposal for a new headquarters in Rock Hill – and his ruthless business acumen will ensure a bold bid for Watson if Tepper has any sort of say in the matter.