If the Carolina Panthers ultimately do acquire Deshaun Watson, much of the farm would likely be going back the other way to Houston. But they’d have to keep at least some of their horses, right?
That’s probably the hope for Carolina, who reportedly wants to hang on to star running back Christian McCaffrey for a potential pairing with the three-time Pro Bowl passer. ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler gave the 4-1-1 on the Panthers’ thinking this morning.
“Carolina seemed like Watson’s backup option to Miami last year, a viable fallback if a deal with the Dolphins fell through,” Fowler writes. “Now that Miami is out, the Panthers will likely see a clear runway. I’m told they are at least confident in their chances, with good young players on defense and playmakers on offense. There’s trade buzz surrounding running back Christian McCaffrey, but I’m told the Panthers would be even more inclined to keep CMC around with Watson in the fold, to maximize his ability to win.”
Although McCaffrey has run into numerous injuries throughout the past two seasons and has four years of a hefty contract remaining, he’s still one of the most unique and potent offensive weapons in the game. So any interest from Houston—or other teams for that matter—isn’t exactly inconceivable.
Keeping him, however, could prove more prudent for the Panthers, especially if they come away with Watson. Such a deal signals one thing and one thing only—that you’re trying to win now. And there’s no doubt, even despite him being largely absent since signing his extension, Carolina is a considerably better team when McCaffrey’s on it.
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