Carolina Panthers could have new competition for Deshaun Watson

If the Carolina Panthers are intent on making yet another move for Deshaun Watson, they could have more competition for the quarterback in 2022.

It’s absolutely no secret whatsoever that Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is almost besotted with the idea of landing Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. There was constant speculation linking the team with a bold, all-in move to acquire the signal-caller last year and the billionaire even took a look at the former Clemson star just before the trade deadline despite the obvious legal issues that have yet to be resolved.

With the sexual misconduct allegations still clouding Watson’s future – something that caused him to miss an entire NFL season – trading for the player is still incredibly risky. But if these complications resolve in a manner that proves satisfactory to owners across the league, then expect things to happen pretty quickly thereafter.

The Panthers have some sorting out to do at the quarterback position after Sam Darnold failed to make the right impression following his move from the New York Jets. Searching for a third starting signal-caller in as many offseasons under Matt Rhule is a really bad look, but that might be what’s facing Carolina ahead of a boom or bust campaign for the head coach.

Watson has long been the prize.

And if Tepper has his way, the Panthers will go for broke in a bid to convince the player waiving his no-trade clause to return to an area where he starred in college is a wise decision.

However, a recent article discussing Watson could mean the Panthers have some additional competition for the player in the weeks and months ahead.

ESPN’s respected insider Jeremy Fowler indicated that Watson is in the preliminary stages of evaluating his options, adding that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings are two teams that could be on his radar among others.

Carolina Panthers have little chance of landing Deshaun Watson

The Panthers have not been named as a destination of interest as yet. Judging by what Watson is reportedly examining, that doesn’t appear likely in the slightest.

"“The Texans quarterback, who spent the 2021 season on the team’s active roster but did not play, has begun evaluating potential fits for his services in 2022, with the Buccaneers and Vikings among teams on his radar. One source noted that Watson — who has a no-trade clause — is still early in the evaluation process, but he’s looking for the right blend of offensive system, coaching, talent and, most importantly, the chance to win.”"

This pipe dream will continue to rumble on until the moment Watson’s trade is confirmed. It was once a move largely approved by the team’s fanbase, but after everything that’s transpired over the last year, that is now unlikely to be the case.

Watson is a transcendent talent. One that could transform Carolina from the fringes into legitimate Super Bowl challengers.

However, if Tepper and other influential figures within the organization bank too heavily on Watson ending up in Carolina, it could come back to haunt them in a big way.

This promises to be an eventful offseason of quarterback movement. Perhaps the likes of which we have never seen before.

Whether it’s Watson or someone else, the Panthers have to get their next signal-caller right. Otherwise, it has the potential to set the franchise back years.