Could the Carolina Panthers go back in for Deshaun Watson?

Will the Carolina Panthers go back for Deshaun Watson?

In an ideal world, the Carolina Panthers will get back into postseason contention with Sam Darnold under center.

But there isn’t much evidence to suggest this is something the signal-caller is capable of.

Darnold might end up being a victim of his environment on the New York Jets and thrive with more talent around him. However, the simple fact is putting Deshaun Watson on this offense legitimizes the Panthers to a level not seen since Cam Newton was in his prime.

And that might just be enough for Carolina to make another run at Watson.

A lot has to happen before this situation becomes a priority once again. Teams will be reluctant to pick up the phone until the legal ramifications are fully known, but the Houston Texans have made contingency plans in the event they receive an offer worthy of letting one of the best quarterbacks in the business move elsewhere.

Much will depend on the asking price, which was extortionate earlier this offseason.

Watson’s quality is proven so it’s going to take a massive offer to tempt the Texans. This might involve a couple of first-round picks and some talented players thrown in for good measure.

The Panthers don’t appear to be that far away from being a contender and might have made the playoffs last year had Teddy Bridgewater not gone 0-8 on game-winning or tying drives during the campaign.

Watson could be the missing piece to the puzzle and more of a sure thing Darnold is currently. So if David Tepper wants it, then Carolina will attempt to secure his services.

Nothing will happen in the immediate future. But as soon as things come to a formal conclusion, either way, expect somebody to make the first move.

That might be the Panthers.

But there is just no way to tell for sure.