Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers not pursuing Deshaun Watson ahead of deadline

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 10/27/21

The Carolina Panthers were one of a few teams tied to Deshaun Watson this week as the NFL trade deadline looms.

However, multiple outlets confirmed Wednesday that the Panthers will not be pursuing a trade for the embattled Houston Texans quarterback after all.

Sources: Owner David Tepper and the #Panthers are not expected to pursue #Texans QB Deshaun Watson at this time. The QB has only waived his no-trade clause for the #Dolphins.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 27, 2021

There was speculation earlier in the week that Carolina was interested in Watson replacing Sam Darnold, who has struggled mightily under center for the Panthers so far this season. The news made sense given the fact that the Panthers inquired about Watson earlier in the offseason prior to him being investigated on 22 counts of alleged sexual assault.

While the exact reason Carolina pulled out of trade talks isn't known, a league insider told ESPN the Panthers aren't willing to meet the Texans' asking price of three first-round draft picks in exchange for Watson.

It's also very likely that Carolina, like other teams rumored to be interested in Watson, don't want to trade for him due to his ongoing legal issues and the uncertainty of whether he will go on the league's exempt list as punishment.

The NFL trade deadline is November 2.

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