Deshaun Watson is without a doubt a top five to top seven quarterback in the NFL. Following Watson’s demanded trade, the fan world went ballistic. Due to Watson’s no-trade clause, he decides where he goes, and he has listed Carolina as a landing spot for himself.
Why Would Watson Fit In?
Deshaun Watson has one of the most expandable arsenals in the NFL at the quarterback position. Watson has an excellent arm and can extend plays with ease. With Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback, the Panthers had two 1000 yard plus receivers in Robby Anderson and D.J Moore. With the Texans, not only was Watson’s number one receiver traded before the season, toward the end of the season, his number one guy was suspended.
In the 2021 NFL draft, the Panthers selected defense with every single pick they had. Defensive tackle Derrick Brown and safety Jeremy Chinn showed great potential in year one to lead that defense. Carolina has all the pieces Watson could ask for, including a young head coach in Matt Rhule. Rhule shows heart and discipline when It comes to coaching and would love a young guy in Watson.
How Can Carolina Make This Happen?
It is no question that the package that will have to be put together to acquire Deshaun Watson will take a lot. The bar has been set high when it comes to packages for quarterbacks, with Matthew Stafford being traded for two first-round picks and a third-rounder. Owner David Tepper has been reported to be highly motivated in acquiring Watson.
The lowest that the Panthers have said they’d give up is running back Christian McCaffrery and three first-round picks. Over the past week, Carolina has been making it evident that they are all in by releasing multiple players. Releasing Kawann Short, Tre Boston, Stephen Weatherly, and Michael Palardy has saved Carolina nearly $20 million in cap space.
What Would This Mean If Carolina Acquired Watson?
In a division with the Superbowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers the bar is set high. The level of play needs to increase if Carolina wants to compete. Any team Watson goes to is arguably a Superbowl contender, but if he were to end up in Carolina, it would mean scary things for the rest of the division. Not only would they be in contention for a Superbowl this year, but for many years to come.
At the age of 43, Tom Brady is a quarterback like no other, so nobody can tell when he will hang it up. Matt Ryan is clearly on the decline of his career, and Drew Brees is about to retire. Carolina is young and well-built and will be the leaders of this division due to the aging quarterbacks around them. Watson is a must, and no matter the price, Carolina must be all in on Watson.