The Carolina Panthers could be mulling over a move for Deshaun Watson after Sam Darnold’s poor performance in Week 5, according to one NFL insider.
All it’s taken is one disappointing performance from quarterback Sam Darnold for the rumors to start once again. The Carolina Panthers are constantly being linked with Deshaun Watson despite his current legal problems – which would be an absolute bombshell in no uncertain terms given the circumstances surrounding the signal-caller.
It’s clear the Houston Texans are ready to move on.
Watson’s been a healthy scratch throughout the campaign despite Tyrod Taylor going down with an injury, leaving rookie third-round selection Davis Mills manning the plate as the former Clemson star sits in the stands.
Whether the league has told Houston not to activate Watson is up for debate. His talent is there for all to see, but the matters surrounding his issues away from the gridiron make it extremely difficult for the Texans to get any substantial draft capital for the NFL’s passing leader in 2020.
Darnold’s regression during a three-interception game in Carolina’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles has completely shifted momentum for the USC product after a positive start to the campaign.
Although it’s a little too early to give up on him just yet, his processing problems and poor decision-making in front of a suspect offensive line were akin to what we saw from the player during his time on the New York Jets.
The Panthers have been extremely aggressive in the trade market under general manager Scott Fitterer, which has seen the likes of C.J. Henderson and Stephon Gilmore join the cornerback room over the last fortnight.
However, according to one NFL insider, Carolina could be mulling over a move for Watson in the wake of Darnold’s recent production.
Carolina Panthers linked with Deshaun Watson move once again.
Jason La Canfora, who works for CBS Sports, highlighted team owner David Tepper’s desire for a franchise player at the position as a reason why he “wouldn’t bet against” the Panthers putting together an acceptable package before the 2021 trade deadline.
"“With Darnold having his struggles, and Tepper wildly driven to win and accustomed to having a Hall of Fame quarterback (as a minority owner in Pittsburgh he was there for Ben Roethlisberger’s rise), and the trade deadline now just a few weeks away, it’s a prospect worth monitoring. For all of the talk about the Dolphins and Watson, Tepper isn’t used to not getting his man, and if he were to set his sights on Watson I wouldn’t bet against him doing what it takes to secure the deal.”"
This train always seems to be on time.
But it’s not going to happen.
Carolina has bigger needs – such as fixing the offensive line with the draft capital they have remaining. The fact that Watson’s sexual misconduct allegations haven’t even come close to being resolved is another stumbling block.
Houston wants multiple first-round picks and they seem willing to stand their ground until another organization relents.
The gift Watson has cannot be disputed. However, there is just too much going on right now and the Panthers should be focusing on getting their campaign back on track rather than casting eyes on someone who could be put on the exempt list at any moment.
Acquiring Watson before all this surfaced was something the Panthers were intent on doing and every single member of the team’s fanbase was on board. That wouldn’t be the case now.
Simply put, it’s just not feasible at the present time. If Watson is cleared of all charges, then it becomes a different story.
Until then, Carolina should stick with what they have and do their utmost to ensure Darnold becomes a success.