Are the Carolina Panthers loading for another Deshaun Watson bid?

Could the potential acquisition of Bill O’Brien as offensive coordinator indicate the Carolina Panthers are set for another bid for Deshaun Watson?

It appears as if Matt Rhule will remain as head coach in 2022. Speculation regarding his future has been rife in recent weeks with the Carolina Panthers looking at yet another five-win season, but team owner David Tepper is reportedly willing to give him another shot ahead of the supposedly magical Year 3 when noticeable strides are made.

Finding a new offensive coordinator is top of Carolina’s wish list when the season concludes. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Bill O’Brien, Jay Gruden, and Kevin O’Connell of the Los Angeles Rams are all being targeted by the Panthers as Rhule looks to add more legitimate NFL experience to his coaching staff.

Targeting O’Brien, whose reputation as a play-caller was restored in 2021 with the Alabama Crimson Tide, is a respected figure who’s even generated some head coaching interest in recent weeks. As a coach, he is quality – even if his handling of personnel matters became his demise with the Houston Texans.

If O’Brien accepts the position if offered, it could indicate that the Panthers might be contemplating another bold bid to acquire Deshaun Watson this offseason. The former Clemson star built a close relationship with the coach and with his ex-quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan also on Carolina’s staff, the connections are there for all to see.

Carolina Panthers remain interested in Deshaun Watson.

Another trade attempt for Watson was recently discussed by Joe Person of The Athletic, who said to John Ellis on FOX Sports Radio that it’s a situation the Panthers will monitor and they are already ready to move on from Sam Darnold.

https://twitter.com/1PantherPlace/status/1479774381421309952

From a talent standpoint, Watson is exactly what the Panthers need.

However, it’s not that simple.

Watson has missed the entire season due to legal issues that include 22 civil suits regarding sexual assault that are set to be presented to the Grand Jury in the coming weeks. Unless this comes to a successful conclusion where the signal-caller is concerned, no team should consider bringing him on board.

The Texans are done with Watson and ready to move forward with Davis Mills. There was also a recent report suggesting that general manager Nick Caserio wants the deal done before March 16.

Carolina has been at the front of the queue for Watson and was ready to go all-in to land the franchise quarterback before eventually settling for Darnold once legal matters began to surface. With little in the way of cap space or draft capital, those in power need to get extremely creative or risk mortgaging their future for someone that now has plenty of baggage.

Of course, it’s all speculation right now. But if O’Brien does end up being the new offensive coordinator then Watson’s chances of waiving a no-trade clause to join Carolina will no doubt improve as a result.

Just how likely this move is when push comes to shove remains to be seen. Judging by the cloud surrounding Watson right now, any trade would get a mixed response at best.

The Panthers have no more room for rash decisions when it comes to personnel. And make no mistake, another wrong move at the most important position on the field would be the end for Rhule.