Carolina Panthers could target Derek Carr
There is a clear sense of urgency to win now where the Carolina Panthers are concerned. Languishing in mediocrity or worse is no longer an option for David Tepper, who has invested a significant amount in buying the team and putting the right infrastructure in place for the franchise to become a revered industry leader.
This will be the big sell for Deshaun Watson when the two parties meet, one suspects. But all fans care about is winning and if the signal-caller turns the Panthers down, then expect another desperate attempt to secure the services of a veteran in the trade market.
Kirk Cousins is no longer an option after he signed another contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings. Any free agent targets worth noting will likely be gone by the time Watson comes to a formal conclusion on his future.
That could lead the Panthers to Derek Carr, who enjoyed a fine year with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 and represents an upgrade on Sam Darnold. However, this is not without some significant risk, and with no Day 2 draft selection to speak of, it only makes this potential scenario even more difficult to accomplish.
Carr is a solid pro that has evolved into a prominent locker room leader. Whether this will be enough for the Panthers to move remains to be seen and there is even the possibility of the Raiders simply refusing any advances at this stage.