Could the Carolina Panthers go back in for Deshaun Watson?

Could the Carolina Panthers potentially go back in for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson should the opportunity arise?

Getting Sam Darnold did seem like a consolation prize for the Carolina Panthers after an exhausting search to find an upgrade on Teddy Bridgewater. The former first-round pick endured a torrid time with the New York Jets and although there is some real hope he can make a better go of things in a different environment, there is simply no telling how much his confidence was knocked at MetLife Stadium.

A failed bid to land Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions saw the Panthers go as far as requesting medical information ahead of the trade before the Los Angeles Rams came in with a better offer. However, it was their infatuation with Deshaun Watson that took up the majority of headlines before things took a concerning turn.

The Panthers were reportedly willing to do whatever it takes to land the former Clemson star from the Houston Texans before his current legal matters eventually saw them go in a different direction. Things have gone relatively quiet over the past fortnight regarding these allegations, so it might end up with a settlement and the signal-caller being available to play in 2021 after all.

However, that will not be in Houston.

According to multiple reports, Watson will not be attending Texans’ OTAs and still wants a move away from the franchise. The Texans drafted Davis Mills in the third round, which was their first selection over the weekend. So they might be a little more accommodating now than they were earlier in the offseason.

But whether this is something the Panthers still want to pursue is another matter entirely.