Deshaun Watson’s record of acceptable locations is down to 2 groups — and the Carolina Panthers aren’t on it. Barring a dramatic plot twist, Watson will play for both the Atlanta Falcons or the New Orleans Saints in 2022. The Panthers realized late Thursday that they’ve been eradicated from consideration.
Carolina Panthers won’t purchase Deshaun Watson through commerce
Watson largely controls the commerce talks as a result of he has a no-trade clause. He has already blocked a possible commerce to the Cleveland Browns. And on Thursday, he crossed the Panthers off the record of candidates.
That leaves the Panthers in the identical precise place they have been when the Watson Derby started — with a below-average quarterback room. The one quarterbacks at the moment on their roster are Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker.
Darnold was an enormous disappointment for the Panthers in 2021 after they not solely gave up quite a few picks, together with a second-rounder, to accumulate him, however picked up his fifth-year possibility that assured his 2022 wage ($18.8 million). In 2021, Darnold misplaced seven of his 11 begins, accomplished underneath 60% of his passes, averaged a paltry 6.2 yards per passing try, and threw 13 touchdowns to 9 interceptions.
Walker, in the meantime, was even worse statistically in his 5 appearances.
Panthers have been taken with Watson for greater than a yr
That satisfied the Panthers’ mind belief, led by proprietor David Tepper, to go large this offseason. They’d been monitoring the Watson saga for greater than a yr and certain would have made a big commerce provide to accumulate him final winter if not for Watson’s important, severe authorized points.
Now, they’re again to sq. one. They personal the sixth decide within the NFL Draft, however this can be a dangerous quarterback yr — any of the highest prospects could be a bet.
Free company, nevertheless, is not any higher. The most important names (Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, Cam Newton amongst them) are all flawed gamers.
The commerce market might be their greatest guess. Baker Mayfield, Jordan Love, and Jimmy Garoppolo are all choices. Nonetheless, the Browns despatched alerts Thursday that they may solely deal Mayfield if they’ve an acceptable substitute.
Yet another title to look at: Philadelphia Eagles backup Gardner Minshew, who intrigued the Panthers on the commerce deadline.
