Did Panthers kiss Deshaun Watson goodbye after Matthew Stafford trade?
By Dean Jones
What next for the Carolina Panthers?
The Carolina Panthers do not want to get left behind when it comes to finding a quarterback this offseason. They’ve pushed their chips into the middle with their clear lack of belief in Teddy Bridgewater and if the organization fails to bring in a player who can surpass the former Louisville star on the depth chart, it’s going to be a problem.
Matthew Stafford’s trade certainly complicates matters.
Even if the Panthers were right not to bet the farm on a signal-caller who is now the wrong side of 30 and with a substantial amount of money remaining on his deal.
Fans will be looking at this predicament with a sense of nervousness. Having so much doubt around the most important position on the field isn’t exactly the best way to bring success and although keeping the bigger picture in mind remains key entering year two of Matt Rhule’s reign, owner David Tepper will be looking for some bang for his buck at the earliest possible opportunity.
No doubt the powers that be have contingency plans in place in the event Deshaun Watson’s asking price is too steep, which it probably is after what the Detroit Lions got for Matthew Stafford.
There will be a team that is bound to pay what they want. But the realist in everybody should lower expectations regarding any potential move for Watson that would shake the NFL to its core.
Detroit got the better of this deal, which has a strong hint of desperation for the Rams. This was a swing and a miss for Carolina, but the impact could be severe as they aim to bring in the right sort of recruit that can help them become postseason contenders once again.