4 players the Carolina Panthers were smart to stay away from in 2022

Carolina Panthers were right to avoid Deshaun Watson (eventually)

The Carolina Panthers were intent on trading for Deshaun Watson no matter how the move would be perceived by the team’s fanbase and the wider community. No sooner had the Grand Jury ruled there would be no criminal charges regarding multiple sexual misconduct allegations, David Tepper made yet another bold bid for the signal-caller and put an offer to the Houston Texans that secured a meeting with the Clemson product.

Watson spoke with four teams and was reportedly impressed with what the Panthers had to say. However, the line had to be drawn somewhere and this came when the quarterback’s contract demands were refused by Carolina despite their all-in, year-long pursuit.

One team that did bow to the player’s demands was the Cleveland Browns. This included $230 million fully guaranteed and a structure to his 2022 money that ensured he would not pay out all that much if he was suspended once civil matters come to a conclusion.

This was all very seedy and further proof that NFL teams will do whatever it takes to win despite the obvious backlash and repercussions.

Eventually, the Panthers said enough is enough.

But the damage to their reputation within large sections of their support has already been done.

Now, the Panthers must move on without Watson, finally. But what comes next at the most important position on the field will ultimately define this current regime and its billionaire owner.