4 reasons the Panthers cannot risk it all for Deshaun Watson in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers are not an attractive destination
Let’s say for one second that Deshaun Watson comes through his legal issues with no real repercussions other than a lost 2021 season, there will be a host of teams looking to acquire his services and that is nothing but bad news for the Carolina Panthers.
After a campaign where little progress – if any – was made en route to yet another five-win record, there are some significant questions regarding the direction head coach Matt Rhule is taking the Panthers. Should team owner David Tepper stick with the former Baylor man once again, then he’ll want some real guarantees despite a tough-looking schedule next time around.
Upcoming free agents and potential trade candidates will know full well Rhule is on the hot season heading into the offseason. In Watson’s case, he would get the chance to spurn Carolina’s advances with his no-trade clause.
This is something Carolina should consider before going for broke with Watson or any other veteran signal-caller they might have their eye on. Getting rejected after reaching a deal would be another embarrassment for the Panthers and something that Rhule could well do without.
It might not sound like much. But there hasn’t been any indication yet that Watson would approve a move to the Panthers, with the Miami Dolphins reportedly the only organization he’s signed off on so far.