4 reasons the Carolina Panthers should panic about 2022 QB situation
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers missed out on their top guy
Despite the obvious problems that came for whoever was under center in 2021, team owner David Tepper was clearly hanging his hat on solving these complications by bringing Deshaun Watson to the Carolina Panthers. The former first-round pick is still clouded with controversy after avoiding legal action relating to sexual misconduct allegations, but that did not stop the billionaire from shooting his shot after a year-long pursuit of the player.
Carolina put a package together that was sufficient. Their eagerly anticipated meeting with Watson also reportedly went well.
However, for a second and final time, Watson spurned their advances after the Panthers didn’t match the fully guaranteed $230 million deal he eventually received from the Cleveland Browns.
This was probably the right call to make. Watson is elite, but there is far too much baggage to warrant such a financial commitment with a possible league suspension looming.
Making this move that clearly fractured the team’s fanbase was a testament to Tepper doing what it takes to win rather than worrying about perception. But the simple fact of the matter is they missed out on their top guy and must now make a decision regarding what sort of contingency can be put in place.
To say this is a precarious situation would be understating things. And make no mistake, going after Watson and failing was a monumental blow for Tepper.