6 dream trade targets for the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Deshaun Watson – QB
This was the hottest topic surrounding the Carolina Panthers just a few short weeks ago. Deshaun Watson is far from happy with the Houston Texans and team owner David Tepper was clearly willing to do whatever it takes to get the signal-caller on board. Only for things to take a sour turn and force the organization to look elsewhere.
Whether Watson’s legal issues will be resolved in time for him to play in 2021 remains to be seen. There is also the possibility of a league suspension to consider.
However, if the Clemson product is exonerated from these charges and lives to fight another day, the queue of willing suitors in the trade market will grow once again.
Make no mistake, this is a situation the Panthers will continue to monitor even though they secured the services of Sam Darnold from the New York Jets. They’re only tied to their new acquisition until 2023 and judging by previous performance, there is absolutely no guarantee this trade will pan out.
If Darnold fails to make the necessary strides and Houston is more willing to take trade offers for Watson, expect the Panthers to be heavily involved once again.
And who knows, given everything that’s happened and the negotiating skills of general manager Scott Fitterer, Carolina might end up getting an elite quarterback for a good price.