Deshaun Watson’s trade request represents the beginning of a new era in the NFL for high-profile players dissatisfied with their teams. In the past, there’s been no recourse for them but to play out their contracts and hope to sign with someone else before their best years are overwith. Watson is just 25 and looks to be an elite quarterback for a long time to come and he’s willing to use his leverage to force a trade to a new team.
The Carolina Panthers will be in the mix, with NFL Network reporting they will be “aggressive” trying to acquire Watson. He has a no-trade clause, so Watson will have significant input on deciding where he winds up playing in the 2021 season and beyond.
Reports state that Watson prefers to play for either the Miami Dolphins or the New York Jets, who have minority head coaches and more draft capital to offer than Carolina. The Panthers have some assets that could help them compete in what’s expected to be a robust trade market, though. Here are four things they can offer other teams can’t.