Carolina Panthers must prepare for life without Deshaun Watson

The Carolina Panthers must have a contingency plan ready in the event Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson turns them down.

Another day passed without a decision from Deshaun Watson on his future, The Carolina Panthers are obviously waiting with bated breath after meeting with the Houston Texans quarterback on Monday evening, emerging from sit down in good spirits despite the fierce competition they clearly have for the player’s services.

Watson has taken meetings with the New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns. He is also reportedly looking to hear what the Atlanta Falcons have to say before coming to a firm decision on his future.

The Panthers have been hot on the heels of Watson for more than a year now. Even with all the sexual misconduct allegations that damaged the player’s reputation an untold amount, Carolina and its owner David Tepper barely wavered from their pursuit of the Clemson product – even though this has not gone down well with large sections of the team’s fanbase.

Winning is all that matters to Tepper. Something he has yet to experience since buying the organization from Jerry Richardson.

Carolina Panthers face a nervous wait for Deshaun Watson

But putting all their eggs into Watson on the off chance he’s going to waive his no-trade clause when other viable options are on the table is a grave mistake. One that could set the franchise back even further.

There is a growing belief that the Panthers are facing an uphill battle. Multiple reports suggest the New Orleans Saints could be in pole position to land the signal-caller, with players relentlessly recruiting Watson and even stud left tackle Terron Armstead contemplating a return if they can get the former first-round selection on board.

This would be nothing short of a disaster for the Panthers, who would fall even further behind in the NFC South with Tom Brady coming out of retirement for one more shot at glory with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Missing out on Watson would likely lead to another rash move. Someone like Jimmy Garoppolo or even Baker Mayfield, who hasn’t exactly taken the Browns’ interest in an upgrade under center all that well.

Again, this would be a major mistake. We’ve already seen Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Darnold blow up in Carolina’s face and another false move could lead to catastrophic consequences.

Tepper is clearly piling on the pressure down to Matt Rhule and Scott Fitterer. Although Watson is their primary target, having a fall-back plan is something they have to put together if the organization hasn’t already.

The Panthers are playing a dangerous game. Watson is undeniably talented, but the compensation will be earth-shattering and alienating fans – particularly the female section – is another monumental risk that cannot be overlooked.

Watson could end up in Carolina, which is fine and clearly the primary objective. However, that is far from a guarantee and if it leaves the organization flat-footed with a brutal 2022 schedule ahead, then one could make a claim they’d be in with a shot at landing someone like Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The new league year officially begins a little later on. A significant time that should bring some clarity to what’s become an ongoing, frustrating saga.