Deshaun Watson: Is the juice worth the squeeze for Panthers?
By Dean Jones
Is Deshaun Watson worth it?
As stated previously, quarterbacks like Deshaun Watson don’t grow on trees. So if there was ever a time for the Carolina Panthers to bet the house, this is it.
Finding good players at other positions is far easier than picking a franchise-changing quarterback. For every Patrick Mahomes or Watson in the NFL Draft, there is a Ryan Leaf, JaMarcus Russell, or Mitchell Trubisky. So if the Panthers decide to take their chances with an incoming college recruit they’d have to be absolutely convinced of their talents.
Had Watson not signed his new deal with the Texans, this situation would look much different and perhaps even favorably on a team looking to make a bombshell move for Watson. Houston holds all the cards with the former No. 12 overall selection, at least for now. But if their franchise player continues to be a problem and holds out, it’s going to come with some significant repercussions.
There is also the positional importance to consider. The Panthers know that had they had more in the way of consistent production from Teddy Bridgewater in close games against top opposition it could have been the difference between postseason football and another top-10 pick, so throwing everything at Watson might not be the worst idea in the world providing other areas of the roster aren’t jeopardized in the process.
Owner David Tepper isn’t too far away from getting to the point where the billionaire wants to see a return on his investment. Last season was a learning curve for all parties involved and the pressure will be on if results arent going their way in 2021.
Adding Watson would increase expectations to a level not seen in Carolina since the 2015 campaign. But whether those in power think the juice is worth the squeeze is another matter entirely.