4 critical observations from Deshaun Watson spurning the Panthers
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers are not an attractive destination
When it all comes down to it, players see what’s going on within the Carolina Panthers. Three consecutive five-win seasons and the fact they lost 12 of their final 14 contests in 2021 means the prospect for improvement are slim despite the talent available, which hardly paints the direction of the organization in a good light.
The Panthers also have a significant amount of holes to fill and many established veterans such as Haason Reddick, DaQuan Jones, and perhaps Stephon Gilmore taking their chances elsewhere. Deshaun Watson would have been a substantial asset to call upon, but he ultimately deemed this too much of a risk compared to a stacked team like the Cleveland Browns and there was obviously the substantial contract he received.
Whether this impacts Carolina’s chances of making waves in free agency is unclear. They’ve made a solid start to their recruitment process without breaking the bank for anybody, but things will be that much more difficult without a franchise quarterback to build their pitches around to proven performers looking for a new home.
The only way Carolina can alter this perception is by winning.
By building a strong culture.
This was prevalent throughout the 2010s with strong characters such as Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, Greg Olsen, and Ryan Kalil steering things in the right direction alongside coaches who knew how to maximize talent. Something that appears a long way off right now.