Carolina Panthers, Go Get Deshaun
There is no question that majority of the 32 NFL teams would benefit from getting an elite talent like Deshaun Watson. Since his time at Clemson, everyone knew he would be a special player in the NFL. 4 years into his professional career, Deshaun has dealt with the mismanagement of the Houston Texans while also still putting up elite numbers with a lack of weapons. After the Texans traded away arguably the best receiver in the NFL in Deandre Hopkins for a bag of chips, Deshaun still managed to lead the NFL in passing yards with 4823 yards while also throwing 33 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. However, the Texans have managed to poison their relationship with Deshaun by not including him in the search for a new General Manager and Head coach. Reports also say that Texans players have also encouraged for Deshaun to leave Houston and this report isn’t hard to believe. The last game of the season, a Mic’d Up JJ Watt told Deshaun “sorry for wasting one of your years”. So now the question becomes, if Deshaun is gone, where does he go?
Ian Rapoport reported last weekend that the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins would be possible suitors for Deshaun because of their draft ammunition however, the Carolina Panthers could be in the mix due to the lack of talent at quarterback. Also per BetOnline.ag, the Panthers are favored to land Deshaun.
There is no doubt that Carolina would benefit from an elite quarterback like Deshaun Watson. After signing Teddy Bridgwater to a 3 year, $63 million deal in the offseason, his underwhelming play has put Carolina back in the quarterback market via the draft or free agency. Last week, Dwayne Haskins visited the team and quarterback has been the position mocked to Carolina in most mock drafts. So what would Carolina have to give up for Deshaun?
The Panthers don’t have the draft ammunition like the Jets or Dolphins so giving up players would be the most ideal package to land Watson. To me the package would look something like this:
Texans Receive:
Christian McCaffrey
Teddy Bridgewater
2021 1st Round Pick (8)
2021 2nd Round Pick
2022 1st Round Pick
Panthers Receive:
Deshaun Watson
2021 4th Round Pick
Now, I know, you’re saying “why Christian? He's one of the best running backs in the league”. After giving him an $80 million contract, the Panthers made him the highest paid running back in the NFL. However, running backs can be found anywhere, When Christian missed most of this season, Mike Davis stepped in and still had 1000 scrimmage yards. Ask the Chiefs where did the draft their running backs and how much they paid, you’ll be surprised. Giving away Christian and Teddy would also clear up some space to gain Watson’s big contract. So in order to make the trade look good, Carolina would need to give away one of their best young players however, they would gain an elite quarterback, something they need desperately.
There would probably be more players or picks added if a deal got done but its hard to find an elite quarterback in today’s league. Draft picks are boom or bust so would Carolina mind giving up some picks for an elite quarterback? I don’t believe so. Also…… When the Panthers released Cam Newton, they released an energy that is hard to find. An energy Teddy Bridgwater has never had and will never provide but it’s an energy Deshaun has. It’s a swagger that we are missing. So Carolina, bring Deshaun back to the Carolina’s. Bring him to where his mentor spent 9 seasons. You won't regret it.
