Panthers reportedly monitoring Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson

The Panthers are still eyeing embattled Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (via PFT). The Panthers were among the front-runners for Watson before the lawsuits emerged, and they’re not ruling out the possibility now, even after acquiring Sam Darnold.

Watson was not present at the Texans’ Tuesday practice, a sign that he could be placed on paid leave in one fashion or another. The Texans aren’t saying much about the situation as GM Nick Caserio weighs his options.

“We make decisions every day based on what’s best for our football team,” head coach David Culley said. “Nothing new today on that.”

The team reportedly wants a combination of five high draft picks plus quality players in exchange for the embattled quarterback. Caserio isn’t in any rush — he’s willing to pay Watson $10.54M this year to stay away from the team in order to get the best trade return possible next year.

In addition to the Panthers, the Broncos, Eagles and Dolphins have also been connected to Watson. At this point, the ‘Fins seem set with Tua Tagovailoa as their starter and Jacoby Brissett as his safety net. The Broncos, meanwhile, are prepared to move forward with Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater. That might leave the Eagles and Panthers as the only real suitors for Watson, but, given all of the complications, it’s hard to imagine either team meeting the Texans’ current asking price.