The Carolina Panthers are back in the hunt for Deshaun Watson, but what could they offer the Houston Texans to strengthen their claims?
No sooner had a catastrophic performance from Sam Darnold at the New York Giants come to a conclusion, the rumors were already circling surrounding the Carolina Panthers going back to try and land Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans.
Joe Person of The Athletic – who is more clued up than most – stated that league and team sources told him the Panthers would make a bold bid for the troubled signal-caller, with Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk adding that Carolina’s already made an offer that would “likely be accepted” by the Texans.
According to Ian Rappaport of the NFL Network, the belief is that Watson will not be put on the commissioner’s exempt list if a trade were to happen, despite the obvious legal concerns surrounding the former Clemson star.
If the Panthers were going to adopt a wait-and-see approach, Darnold forced their hand with another inept display that eventually resulted in the player being benched in the fourth quarter.
This has already been the subject of some hot debate within the team’s fanbase on social media. The risks of acquiring Watson are there for all to see and the player himself also needs to waive his no-trade clause, which he’s reportedly only done for the Miami Dolphins so far.
With this in mind, here are three trade offers that the Texans would probably accept for Watson. And expect some significant movement in the coming days one way or another.
Carolina Panthers trade package No. 1
It’s hard to determine who holds the cards in this situation. The Houston Texans are clearly ready to wash their hands of Deshaun Watson given his desire to be traded and the current off-the-field complications, but the Carolina Panthers are pretty desperate to find some sort of solution under center.
Either way one looks at it, this is a massive gamble on Carolina’s part. One that would fracture the fanbase and leave many wondering if the NFL’s passing leader in 2020 is worth mortgaging their future on at this juncture.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. And at the end of the day, winning is all that matters to someone like team owner David Tepper.
The billionaire has spent an incredible sum since buying the franchise from Jerry Richardson and has some lofty ambitions away from the gridiron to turn the Panthers into an industry leader. Even though the product on the field leaves a lot to be desired at the present time.
Tepper was seen going into the locker room at MetLife Stadium following Carolina’s embarrassing loss. A further sign that the owner is far from happy with the current state of affairs.
Next year’s first-rounder, a 2024 second-round pick, and a conditional 2023 first-round selection dependent on Watson’s availability is a tempting offer. Throw in a promising defender such as Yetur Gross-Matos and the Texans would probably take the bait.
Carolina Panthers trade package No. 2
As stated previously, taking on Deshaun Watson and all his legal problems is a gamble of epic proportions. The quarterback is currently dealing with no fewer than 22 sexual misconduct allegations – and there’s just no telling which way they are going to go at this juncture.
Teams are always willing to give players with the talent of Watson a second chance.
Some fans may not like it, but that is just the nature of the business.
Scott Fitterer and Matt Rhule might think they’re in charge. But if David Tepper wants Watson, then the Carolina Panthers will do as he says.
They face some stiff competition from the Miami Dolphins, who are clearly not convinced Tua Tagovailoa is the man to lead them moving forward. Watson has also reportedly stated he’d be willing to join the AFC East team should an agreement come to fruition.
The Panthers need to strike quickly and then it’s up to Watson. There is an abundance of talent on offense in Carolina, even though the coaching staff and Joe Brady, in particular, seem lost without Christian McCaffrey in the backfield.
Giving up three first-round picks is a massive sacrifice for any player. Especially for one that might not even be around if matters in the courtroom don’t come to a successful conclusion for him.
Two of these – in 2023 and 2024 – should be conditional and only given up if Watson is eligible to play. Otherwise, the Panthers should walk away.
Carolina Panthers trade package No. 3
After so much hope over the first three games, it appears as if Sam Darnold is already past the point of no return. The Carolina Panthers gave up two draft picks to land the signal-caller from the New York Jets, which looked like a bargain before things started to unravel without Christian McCaffrey.
It already appears as if the Panthers are ready to move on. Despite head coach Matt Rhule stating that Darnold is their starter and they don’t plan on making a move before the trade deadline.
However, whatever Rhule says can be taken with a pinch of salt – we all saw how comments regarding Cam Newton and Teddy Bridgewater turned out.
Moving Darnold as part of this equation would be highly beneficial. But whether the Houston Texans would be willing to take him is another matter entirely.
Rookie third-rounder Davis Mills has flashed in the wake of Tyrod Taylor’s injury. But whether he can be classed as a long-term option is still up in the air.
Houston will likely have another high-end first-rounder if they want to take another stab at a quarterback. But this year’s class isn’t thought to be that great, in all honesty.
Three first-rounders – two of which are obviously conditional – and Darnold could be something the Texans consider. This would provide them with a veteran backup to Mills if things don’t progress as planned.
One simply couldn’t call how this is going to go. David Tepper isn’t used to not getting his own way and will do whatever it takes to convince Watson that he belongs in Carolina. The team’s moral compass is clearly not going to come into the equation.