Why are the Carolina Panthers still in Deshaun Watson race?

After initial reports suggested the Carolina Panthers were lagging behind in their attempt to trade for Deshaun Watson, why are they still hanging around?

Things did not look good for the Carolina Panthers earlier today. A second meeting between Deshaun Watson and the New Orleans Saints reportedly took place on Wednesday, with some reporters suggesting it was now a straight fight between the NFC South team and their division rival Atlanta Falcons.

This all-but put the Panthers out of luck in their bid to acquire the Houston Texans quarterback. A player they have coveted above all else over the last year despite the baggage and sexual misconduct allegations surrounding the signal-caller.

However, ESPN’s national NFL insider Adam Schefter stated the Panthers are still being taken under consideration by Watson, who is “incredibly torn” about what to do next according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Watson has been deliberating his next move for almost a week now. This saga could come to a conclusion soon, but Carolina could do with knowing sooner rather than later so they can start preparing in the event he comes or takes his chances elsewhere.

The Cleveland Browns have already been informed that they are out of the running, seemingly burning their bridges with Baker Mayfield, who has sent in a trade request that was denied by the organization.

So why are the Panthers still in the hunt?

Carolina Panthers will do whatever it takes to land Deshaun Watson

Considering how intent team owner David Tepper has been when it comes to the former Clemson star, he could have promised the player absolutely anything to make him think twice. Watson is seen by the billionaire as the man to take the Panthers back into relevance and potential Super Bowl contention, even if the trade could alienate a significant portion of Carolina’s loyal fanbase along the way.

Tepper has endured four losing seasons since buying the franchise. A trend he is keen to end and giving Watson certain powers other teams cannot and also handing the NFL’s passing leader in 2019 a mammoth contract extension to sweeten the point isn’t being ignored, it seems.

The Saints appear to have the best roster and Watson’s close connection to the Falcons has them right in the thick of things. But Tepper is not giving up on the player without a fight and is clearly willing to throw the kitchen sink at this whether the fans like it or not.

Perhaps there is an ulterior motive for Watson. If he is planning to join the Saints or Falcons, then letting the Panthers think they have a shot could see them miss out on some free-agent targets while they await a decision one way or another.

That’s a conspiracy theory more than anything else. Watson is looking out for himself and nobody else because he knows this is the move that’s going to define his career as he looks to salvage his tarnished reputation.

Carolina has to have a fall-back plan. They are still considered a long-shot by many to secure the player’s services, even though the Texans will want the Panthers as a suitor given the number of talented defenders on rookie deals they could utilize.

Again, it’s just a wait-and-see situation. Mercifully, the end is near.