Panthers 'in the mix' for Texans star QB Deshaun Watson?
Disgruntled Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson reportedly "just wants out" of Houston. While the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins have been linked to the Clemson product, a rather unsuspecting team has emerged in the Watson sweepstakes.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Carolina Panthers are "in the mix" for Watson's services. The club struggled with Teddy Bridgewater at QB in 2020 and it sounds like it's now looking for a true franchise signal-caller.
The Panthers signed Bridgewater to a three-year, $63 million deal before the 2020 season, but it hasn't worked out thus far. The 28-year-old went 4-11 in 2020, completing 69.1% of his passes for 3,733 yards and 15 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. He also ran for 279 yards and five scores.
Watson has not requested a trade, nor are the Texans keen on moving him. However, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, there is a "growing sense from people in and around the Texans' organization" that Watson has played his final game in Houston.
Watson is reportedly unhappy with the franchise for how it handled the general manager search, leaving him out of the process after promising to include him and take his opinion into account. Watson reportedly even began telling teammates that he might request a trade from the franchise after a disappointing 4-12 season.
Schefter says that Watson is "upset" that Cal McNair hired a man (Nick Caserio) search firm Korn Ferry didn't include on its list of general manager candidates and he's "furious" at the direction the Texans are going.
The 25-year-old also reportedly wanted the team to interview Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy for the head-coaching gig. The Texans only put in an interview request with Bieniemy once Watson's unhappiness was made public.
Despite Houston's struggles as a whole, Watson had the best statistical season of his career in 2020, completing 70.2% of his passes for 4,823 yards and 33 touchdowns against seven interceptions. He also ran for 444 yards and three touchdowns.
It would be a mistake for the Texans to trade Watson, but they might not have a choice if the Clemson product is unhappy. If he were made available in discussions, the franchise would likely be looking for a top draft pick in exchange for the QB.
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