NFL Rumors: Panthers look to go all-out for Deshaun Watson with blockbuster trade
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is rumored to have a serious suitor in the Carolina Panthers. Carolina will make an all-in offer for the Texans quarterback when he waives the no-trade clause in his contract.
Last offseason, the team made an effort to trade for the three-time Pro Bowl before the sexual misconduct allegations against the quarterback came to light. Once the reports surfaced, the team ended their pursuit.
Panthers owner David Tepper spoke about the importance of a franchise quarterback back in December last year, saying:
"That's the most important position on the field. "Unless you have that guy that for sure gets you to playoffs and Super Bowls, you have to keep reevaluating that because that's the only thing that matters is Super Bowls."
A Houston, Texas grand jury decided not to indict Watson on criminal charges, leaving the 22 civil lawsuits with allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct in the duration of massage sessions versus the 26-year-old. It later boosted interest from several other teams along with the Panthers.
Per a source, the Seattle Seahawks are projected to make a strong attempt at Watson after trading their longtime quarterback, Russell Wilson, to the Denver Broncos.
There is “expectation around the league” #Texans QB Deshaun Watson will be traded to the #Seahawks, per @MoveTheSticks
They have extra picks now after the Russell Wilson trade to get it done. https://t.co/HdpMz24Z33
Other teams interested in the services of the Houston signal caller are the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, and the Cleveland Browns.
What’s important to note is that every team knows the league could still suspend the former Clemson Tiger quarterback for a few games if he's found to be in violation of the NFL’s personal code of conduct.
A spokesman for the league stated:
"We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal conduct policy."
NFL spokesman: "We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal conduct policy." twitter.com/RapSheet/statu…
Watson and His NFL Career
Watson was the 12th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by the Texans, starting six games in his rookie season. The quarterback threw for 1,699 yards with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions while rushing for two touchdowns in the 2017 season.
The following season, he had 4,165 yards passing, 26 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in the air. On the ground, he ran for 551 yards and five touchdowns, making his first Pro Bowl in 2018.
Watson last played in the league during the 2020 season, where he led the NFL in passing yards with 4,823 and in the top 10 with 33 touchdown passes. Where will the Gainesville, Georgia native land for the 2022 season? We’ll see as this offseason becomes clearer.