It wasn’t that long ago when the Carolina Panthers weren’t exactly a preferred destination for Deshaun Watson. But the NFL is a fluid business, and the team now finds itself closer to its white whale than ever before.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Panthers—along with their division rival in the New Orleans Saints—have made an offer for the Houston Texans quarterback. They are now likely to meet with Watson, who holds a no-trade clause in his $156 million contract, to presumably pitch their plans for a potential union.
The #Saints and #Panthers have made offers for #Texans QB Deshaun Watson and are likely to meet with him soon, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. Other teams also are involved. Watson has a no-trade clause and wants to meet with teams before formally waiving it anywhere.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2022
Coming to the Panthers may be a tough sell for the three-time Pro Bowl passer. If he is indeed looking to land with an organization that has a stable coach, a formidable offensive line and a strong defense—he probably won’t find that in Carolina.
But, with a handful of other teams already having made moves under center this offseason, Watson’s options may be dwindling down. So have they dwindled enough to buy into head coach Matt Rhule and his (seemingly long-term) plan for overnight success?
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