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.
Deshaun Watson package No. 1: Draft picks & Christian McCaffrey
Some may not like it, but the Carolina Panthers look set to do whatever it takes in their pursuit of bringing Deshaun Watson to the organization, according to CBS Sports insider Jason La Canfora. The reporter cited the influence of owner David Tepper as a key component in the team going all-in for the quarterback, who would be returning to an area where he starred in college with the Clemson Tigers.
Offering three first-round selections and Christian McCaffrey was a bold prediction touted by ESPN’s Panthers beat writer David Newton earlier this week, which took on a mind of its own and further highlighted just what a precarious situation it’s evolving into regarding Watson.
However, if this is the price to acquire Watson, then so be it.
It’s worth remembering that the Texans don’t have much in the way of draft capital this spring. They are without a first or second-round pick currently. So if they want to boost their clear rebuild then a decision to trade Watson needs to come soon.
Giving up your franchise player in his prime is not exactly the done move in today’s NFL.
But the relationship between Watson and the Texans might be past the point of no return and considering how aggressive the Panthers were in trying to land Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions, it would be a huge shock if the organization didn’t put in a bold bid when the time is right.
Carolina would still have their second-rounder to boost their offensive line in this situation. New general manager Scott Fitterer is also renowned for finding gems late in the draft – so trading down to acquire more selections would also be worth considering.
Deshaun Watson package No. 2: Talented pass-rusher included
According to a recent report, the Houston Texans are looking for a couple of talented young players on defense in the event they finally decide to take offers for Deshaun Watson. The Carolina Panthers boast plenty of these, but whether they’d be willing to give up some premier playmakers from within Phil Snow’s unit is up for debate.
Including Brian Burns, Jeremy Chinn, or Derrick Brown has the potential to do more harm than good. But perhaps someone with the upside of Yetur Gross-Matos might make the Texans think twice providing Christian McCaffrey and a boatload of draft picks are thrown in for good measure.
Houston recently granted J.J. Watt his wish and released him with one-year remaining on his deal. This means they are desperately short of pass-rushing assistance on the edge and Gross-Matos showed flashes of brilliance during a rookie campaign that was frustrating in one sense due to injury, a concussion, and a spell on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Watson doesn’t carry much of a cap hit in 2021. So providing the Panthers get a willing suitor for Teddy Bridgewater, they have enough in the way of finances to get a short-term replacement in during free agency who could make an immediate impact.
Perhaps even secure Watt as a result?
Four top-end draft picks, McCaffrey, and Gross-Matos means the Panthers get a mid-rounder this year back in return. This is a deep class for offensive linemen, so to say this would help is something of an understatement.
Deshaun Watson package No. 3: Moving Teddy Bridgewater
The Carolina Panthers almost got Teddy Bridgewater off the books when they tried to secure the services of Matthew Stafford. But the Los Angeles Rams came in with a better offer that left the organization back to square one when it comes to finding a replacement for the former Louisville standout.
Bridgewater enjoyed mixed success under center in 2020, which wasn’t exactly a surprise considering he hadn’t been a prominent starter since 2015. Giving the player a three-year, $63 million deal with a $15 million signing bonus and $33 million guaranteed wasn’t the best decision in the world looking back, which leaves them facing the prospect of starting over at the position for the second straight year.
Trading for Deshaun Watson could change the complexion in an instant.
And if the Panthers can somehow convince the Texans to take on Bridgewater, then they’ll be better off for it.
Christian McCaffrey is another outstanding piece to the puzzle, with multiple first-round picks, and even a veteran luke Shaq Thompson added to the package for good measure. The outside linebacker regressed without Luke Kuechly by his side this season but there could be more to come from the Washington product alongside someone like the exceptional Zach Cunningham.
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What additional moves could the Carolina Panthers make in the not-too-distant future to get their 2021 salary-cap number down ahead of free agency?
Just how well trading away McCaffrey is going to go down with the Panthers’ fanbase is a hot topic, currently. But acquiring Watson is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that could see expectations reach a level not seen since the mid-2010s in Carolina.