The Carolina Panthers pursued a Deshaun Watson trade before his legal situation made it very clear he wouldn’t play in 2021. With Watson expected to return to the field for the 2022 NFL season, the Panthers will once again be at the forefront of trade talks.
When billionaire David Tepper bought the Panthers in 2018, he was determined to find a quarterback to be the face of the franchise. Carolina’s investment in Teddy Bridgewater delivered underwhelming results, leading the front office and head coach Matt Rhule to trade its 2022 second- and fourth-round picks for quarterback Sam Darnold.
Rhule’s job is now in jeopardy heading into the offseason and Tepper isn’t pleased with the team’s performance the last two years. With mounting pressure to upgrade at the most important position in the NFL, the latest report from the Charlotte Observer isn’t surprising.
According to Jonathan M. Alexander, the expectation remains that Carolina and Houston will re-engage in talks on a Deshaun Watson trade by March. It’s still widely believed now that when the 2022 NFL league year begins on March 16, the Panthers and Texans will negotiate.
There are complicating factors that come from acquiring Watson. The four-year, $156 million contract extension he signed in 2020 kicks in next season. Carrying a $42.4 million cap hit, the Panthers would be devoting a significant chunk of their salary cap to Watson.
- Deshaun Watson stats (2020): 4,823 passing yards, 33-7 TD-INT ratio, 8.9 ypa, 112.4 QB rating
The price to acquire him is also a huge factor. Houston isn’t picking up the phone without a team offering three future first-round picks and additional compensation.
However, Watson’s off-field issues are the biggest factor that will impact the Panthers’ 2022 season and the organization. He is facing 22 civil suits alleging sexual misconduct and assault, 10 criminal complaints and is being investigated by the FBI, local law enforcement and the NFL.
Even if he settles the civil suits, there will likely be a suspension handed down from the NFL. While the ban might only last four-to-six games, that absence will significantly impact Carolina’s record. Tepper and Rhule will also face questions about making Watson the face of their franchise.
