Has Deshaun Watson decision-day arrived for the Carolina Panthers?

Could today finally be the time that the Carolina Panthers find out their fate regarding a bold trade bid for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson?

After so long of waiting and wondering, the Carolina Panthers could find out whether they can actually pull the trigger on a Deshaun Watson trade later today. According to multiple reports, prominent figures within the organization met with the Houston Texans quarterback on Monday evening, which was arguably the most important sit-down in franchise history with some significant ramifications.

This is the culmination of a year-long pursuit of Watson, who is an elite quarterback in his prime that could transform the fortunes of the franchise. However, there are still some civil issues to resolve regarding sexual misconduct allegations, which have tarnished the player’s reputation, and could even see the NFL issue a suspension when it’s all said and done.

Team owner David Tepper is keen to make a big splash that completely shifts the trajectory Carolina is currently on. Something that will see the Panthers give up multiple first-round picks and talented young defenders on rookie deals for good measure.

They do face competition from the New Orleans Saints, who also met with Watson. The Cleveland Browns have also thrown their hat in the ring and will discuss a potential switch with the player on Tuesday either before or after the Clemson product takes the stand for his civil deposition.

Carolina didn’t let this situation impact their free-agent moves on the opening day of legal tampering. They bolstered the offensive line with the addition of Super Bowl champion Austin Corbett from the Los Angeles Rams and strengthened their safety options with the signing of Xavier Woods following his bounce-back year on the Minnesota Vikings.

Carolina Panthers are confident they can land Deshaun Watson

There is a lot riding on this decision. But according to Jonathan Alexander of the Charlotte Observer, who was speaking on 104.8 Fox Sports Upstate, the Panthers appear confident Watson will sign off on the deal and they can present the best option to the Texans.

This has all become a little tiresome, in all honesty. All the speculation and desperate attempts to find a long-term successor for Cam Newton have held the Panthers back, but if they can get their hands on Watson, then Tepper’s patience and unrelenting approach will have paid off.

Should Watson give the go-ahead, then the compensation is going to make your eyes water and will result in some fan favorites leaving for pastures new. Some might not like it, but the NFL is a ruthless business and if the Panthers get a truly elite quarterback out of it regardless of the baggage, then it makes them relevant in the blink of an eye.

It’s going to be franchise-altering, either way. Acquiring Watson would give the Panthers a commanding force and a top-five quarterback for the first time since Newton was at the peak of his powers, which could see the organization become a more attractive destination for free agents in the process.

Losing Watson to another team would do their chances of progression no good at all. And there are some fans who would turn their back on the team for making this trade, too.

This is the big prize. And it won’t be much longer before we find out one way or another.