The Carolina Panthers are actively looking for a quarterback because their current options do not give them the best chances to win.
Sam Darnold struggled towards the latter part of the season, as did P.J. Walker and former league MVP Cam Newton.
Thus, they are casting their lot into the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes after the Pro Bowl quarterback got cleared of criminal charges from his alleged sexual misconduct cases.
That said, the Panthers reportedly met with Watson to make a pitch on why they are the best destination for him.
However, trading for him might mean that the Houston Texans will ask for running back Christian McCaffrey in a trade.
Yet despite the talk of McCaffrey’s potential departure, ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler shared that keeping him and getting Watson might be the Panthers’ plan all along.
Christian McCaffrey has been the subject of trade rumors, but it's my understanding that the Panthers would want to keep McCaffrey to bolster the offense around Deshaun Watson. Perhaps Houston requires him in the deal, but the goal is to surround Watson with best weapons.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 15, 2022
Fowler said, “Christian McCaffrey has been the subject of trade rumors, but it’s my understanding that the Panthers would want to keep McCaffrey to bolster the offense around Deshaun Watson. Perhaps Houston requires him in the deal, but the goal is to surround Watson with best weapons.”
If Carolina can pull a deal wherein they get Watson and retain McCaffrey, they will have the nucleus to be competitive in the NFC.
However, their fate will depend on the running back’s health and the talent surrounding Watson.
Who Will Be Watson’s Targets If He Joins Carolina?
At present, the Panthers have DJ Moore, Robby Anderson, Brandon Zylstra, and Terrace Marshall Jr. as their top receivers.
However, Houston might require any one of them to complete the trade for Watson.
Most likely, the Texans will get Moore because he had the best season among the lot.
When that happens, Carolina must find another premier receiver for Watson.
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