3 Deshaun Watson trade packages involving Christian McCaffrey
By Dean Jones
What would a trade package for Deshaun Watson look like if the Carolina Panthers decided to include their star running back Christian McCaffrey?
There is plenty of debate among the Carolina Panthers‘ fanbase as to whether the team should include Christian McCaffrey in any potential trade package to land Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans. This would be a controversial move for some, of that there is little doubt. But the temptation to claim a franchise-altering quarterback might just be worth sacrificing an All-Pro running back for.
Ideally, the Panthers would like to have McCaffrey and Watson in the same backfield. But the simple fact of the matter is that Houston is going to require an astronomical trade deal for an elite signal-caller who was the NFL’s passing leader in 2020 despite playing on a four-win team that appears to be going nowhere fast.
The Texans remain steadfast in the pursuit of keeping Watson, although the former first-round pick hasn’t exactly welcomed their stance. Few teams in the league wouldn’t consider the player as an upgrade on what they currently have under center and the Panthers are making their intentions clear regarding a replacement for Teddy Bridgewater.
Losing someone as beloved as McCaffrey would be hard to stomach.
But this comes down to positional importance and if the 2020 season taught us anything, it’s that running backs don’t move the needle like a quarterback.
McCaffrey went over 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in 2019, becoming only the third player in NFL history to do so.
Carolina finished 5-11.
In 2020, the back turned out in only three games due to ankle, shoulder, and quad problems.
Carolina finished 5-11.
Simply put, if there is a chance to land Watson, the Panthers should shoot their shot. The benefits are there for all to see and providing they can improve other areas of the field, it could see them enter the playoff picture in 2021.
Houston wants multiple first-round picks, too. But the fact Carolina has hit home runs with the majority of their recent first-rounders is clouding judgment.
Most teams don’t. So getting a proven game-changer like Watson more than compensates for some incoming college recruits who may or may not work out.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at three possible trade offers that include McCaffrey which might tempt the Texans in the coming weeks.