4 all-in trade offers for the Panthers to land Deshaun Watson
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers trade No. 2
If the Carolina Panthers choose to part ways with running back Christian McCaffrey as part of the Deshaun Watson deal, it will come with some huge ramifications. The All-Pro’s value seems to have been forgotten somewhat after turning out just three times in 2020. But the opportunity to grab an elite quarterback in their prime just doesn’t come along every day.
No matter which way the Panthers go with their offer for Watson, it’s going to involve some substantial sacrifices in terms of draft picks and playing personnel. McCaffrey is their prized possession and offensive focal point, but this would all change if Carolina got their preferred target under center in 2021.
Four draft selections would further sweeten the deal, as would adding cornerback Donte Jackson into the equation. The former LSU standout endured a frustrating toe injury that hampered his ability to make a lasting contribution this season. But he did look like a potential shutdown player on the outside following a good period of rehabilitation after the bye week.
Jackson is heading into the final year of his deal next season, and the Panthers can ill-afford to put themselves in another situation that saw James Bradberry depart for the New York Giants last year.
If Carolina can add outside linebacker Shaq Thompson and his big contract to the deal, then all the better it would be. This would give the Texans immediate help on both sides of the ball, together with multiple picks to boost their chances of progression long-term.