Why are the Carolina Panthers still being linked with Deshaun Watson?
By Dean Jones
Why are the Carolina Panthers still being linked to Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson in the trade market?
Deshaun Watson‘s name is coming up once again in trade speculation. And it’s no secret how keen the Carolina Panthers were to acquire the quarterback earlier this offseason before some concerning legal matters surfaced that sent the market ice cold.
The Panthers eventually went in a different direction despite team owner David Tepper taking one final look at Watson’s situation before trading for Sam Darnold from the New York Jets. Another strong indication that Carolina would have been willing to give up whatever the Houston Texans wanted for the former Clemson star.
Over the last couple of days, Watson has been shown working out and according to multiple reports, is preparing as if he’ll be playing in 2021.
Although there is a lot to sort out before then.
One thing is certain, Watson does not want to wear a Texans’ uniform again.
He made his feelings known about his trade desire long before sexual harassment accusations reared their head. So this put pay to almost any hope Houston had of keeping the player around.
Even if Watson’s legal matters do resolve in a positive fashion, the NFL is conducting its own investigation and might hand out a suspension if commissioner Roger Goodell doesn’t like what he finds out.
Despite all this, the queue of suitors for Watson would still be plentiful. After all, teams tend to be a little more lenient when it comes to players with their sort of talent.