What things must the Carolina Panthers prove during their potential meeting with Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson?
It came as no surprise to see trade talk surrounding Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson heat up once the announcement came that there would be no criminal charges to answer regarding some serious sexual misconduct allegations. That was all the Carolina Panthers and others across the league needed to make their move, with a formal announcement set to be announced in the coming days barring any drastic change in the situation.
According to multiple sources, the Panthers and New Orleans Saints could be meeting with Watson shortly to state their case and try to convince the former Clemson star to come on board. Others including the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also monitoring the situation, with the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns keeping tabs, too.
Watson wants to sit down with willing suitors before deciding who to waive his no-trade clause for. Carolina has been interested in the signal-caller throughout his legal issues and it appears as if team owner David Tepper will give up whatever it takes to secure his services.
The asking price is supposedly three first-round picks and two talented young defenders on rookie deals. Some may not like it, but the likes of Jeremy Chinn, Derrick Brown, Brian Burns, and even Jaycee Horn might be moved as part of the trade.
This meeting, if it happens, has to go well for the Panthers. It would also be wise for Watson’s former quarterbacks’ coach Sean Ryan to also be in the building, who is now on Carolina’s staff.
With this in mind, here are three things the Panthers must do during their expected meeting with Watson.
Carolina Panthers must outline how they can build
Acquiring Deshaun Watson is all well and good. But if the quarterback is not entirely convinced about the direction of the franchise, then it’s unlikely he’s going to waive his no-trade clause and join the Carolina Panthers.
That’s why it’s absolutely essential for the Panthers to put themselves in a strong position by outlining their plans to build around the Clemson product with what little cap space or draft picks they have remaining following the potential deal. Not the easiest of sales considering how things have transpired of late, but not impossible by any stretch of the imagination.
It would be wise for general manager Scott Fitterer to take the lead on this one. Matt Rhule might get the final say on personnel decisions, but the general manager is intelligent and will get their proposals over in a concise fashion that might end up making the difference.
Carolina does possess some dynamic playmakers such as D.J. Moore and Christian McCaffrey. Watson’s potential arrival should also bring more out of Robby Anderson, Terrace Marshall Jr., and Ian Thomas for good measure.
Having a convincing plan is the only way Watson is going to consider the Panthers as a viable destination. Those in power are under immense pressure to acquire the signal caller from team owner David Tepper, who could also be at the meeting if their wish is granted.
Carolina Panthers must showcase their support
There’s been a lot of teams come and go from their interest in Deshaun Watson over the last year or so. The queue of suitors was substantial before these legal matters surfaced, but the Carolina Panthers are perhaps the only franchise that’s remained resolute in their pursuit of the NFL’s passing leader in 2020.
This is something they could use to their advantage. Stating this to Watson during their meeting might sound a little desperate, but the simple fact of the matter is a lot of people and teams turned their back on the signal-caller – with good reason – and loyalty within the NFL is hard to find.
Obviously, this plays only a small part in Watson’s decision. He reportedly wants to join a team capable of winning with a solid structure in place, which is something the Panthers don’t quite have at the present time.
Watson would obviously change all that in an instant. If the right reinforcements are sought on the offensive line and the players moved to the Houston Texans replaced efficiently, then Carolina might just have a chance at winning the division with so much uncertainty across the NFC South.
There is little doubt Watson remembers who has stuck with him and who hasn’t. The Panthers cannot be accused of walking away from the player at any stage, which has to work in their favor.
Carolina Panthers must focus on the positives
There are some obvious doubts surrounding the Carolina Panthers that Deshaun Watson will no doubt want answers to if he agrees to a meeting. Matt Rhule is on the hot seat, plenty of established veterans are on the lookout for new deals, and there is also the small matter of one offensive lineman guaranteed a starting job in 2022.
The Panthers need to have the right answers to Watson’s questions. But they should also focus some time on the positives in a bid to convince the quarterback that his future lies in Carolina.
As stated previously, Carolina has some real talent at the skill positions. Providing they don’t give up too much on defense, the Panthers also have a solid core from which to build a legitimate unit.
After wanting for Watson for so long, this will be their only shot at acquiring the player. If it doesn’t go well and the signal-caller ends up within the division, it’s going to be nothing short of a disaster and another nail in Rhule’s coffin.
The Houston Texans no doubt see Carolina as a quality trade partner given their young defenders on rookie contracts and a clear willingness to part ways with multiple first-round picks. But if Watson doesn’t come out of the meeting feeling positive about the team’s long-term aspirations, there is nothing his current employers can do about it.