Carolina Panthers face a long wait for potential Deshaun Watson trade
By Dean Jones
What other options do the Carolina Panthers have?
Putting all their eggs in one basket is going to do the Carolina Panthers more harm than good. What happens with the civil suits surrounding Deshaun Watson aren’t going to drive down the price wherever happens, so other options must be considered.
Otherwise, they’ll be stuck with the awkward situation of returning Teddy Bridgewater as the No. 1 option after an offseason of immense speculation surrounding the free-agent signing. His level of production in key moments really cost the Panthers during his first year under center and if the organization wants to be realistically considered as postseason challengers, they’ll need more from the most important position on the field.
If that isn’t Watson, then it needs to be someone.
The free-agent pool didn’t look the most accomplished even before the legal tampering period began. It is worse now.
Trading for someone like Sam Darnold might be considered. But this isn’t exactly the home run fans were expecting with Watson.
The NFL Draft is the most likely source. However, with the top-four quarterbacks all set to be off the board by the time Carolina is on the clock at No. 8, a move up to get their prospect of choice is the only viable option in this particular scenario.
This will cost a substantial amount. Going after a sure thing like Watson would be preferable – although there is now the obvious distraction surrounding an off-the-field matter that will only heighten the player’s desire to move away from Houston.
Patience is something that’s normally associated with NFL franchises. But the simple fact of the matter is that if Carolina remains steadfast on Watson being the guy, they’ll have to bide their time and hope for the best.