4 reasons the Panthers cannot risk it all for Deshaun Watson in 2022
By Dean Jones
Deshaun Watson could be on the move this offseason, but the Carolina Panthers must not risk everything for the Houston Texans quarterback.
No sooner had the 2021 season come to a conclusion for the Carolina Panthers, the rumor mill started turning regarding just what the troubled organization is going to do next. Another five-win campaign in the second year of Matt Rhule’s tenure was the biggest indicator yet that things aren’t quite going according to plan, but team owner David Tepper is reportedly willing to give his head coach one more shot at turning things around in 2022.
There is no more room for rash and often poor decisions. And there is one player who’ll remain firmly in the spotlight where the Panthers are concerned until his situation is resolved whether fans like it or not.
Deshaun Watson was a major target for Carolina this time last year, with the organization reportedly willing to go all-in for the former first-round pick before some serious legal matters surfaced. These have yet to be sorted out one way or another, but the quarterback’s time with the Houston Texans appears to be over regardless of how the situation unfolds.
This is a massive gamble and one that could jeopardize the future of the franchise. But a recent report from John McClain of the Houston Chronicle stated that should Tim Kelly become the Panthers’ new offensive coordinator, then Watson might follow him to a region he once starred in college at Clemson.
"If Kelly were on board as Rhule’s offensive coordinator, maybe Carolina — 203 miles from Watson’s hometown of Gainesville, Ga,. and 137 from Clemson, where he won a national championship — would be more appealing and the no-trade clause wouldn’t be an issue."
A lot needs to happen before any trade is finalized. But here are four reasons why the Panthers would be wise not to risk it all for Watson this offseason.