Panthers reportedly used NFL MVP in failed effort to recruit Watson

Nov 22, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (left) and Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (right) talk on the field before the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Panthers reportedly used NFL MVP in failed effort to recruit Deshaun Watson

Originally posted on Carolina Panthers on SI
By Zach Roberts | Last updated Aug 9, 2025 11:42 AM ET

The rest of the NFL avoided the major bullet that ended up being quarterback Deshaun Watson.

When he became available in 2022, nearly every team wanted to try to acquire his services, including the Carolina Panthers, who needed a QB after former NFL MVP Cam Newton's release in 2021.

Carolina was heavily involved in getting Watson — who ended up going to the Cleveland Browns — but the Panthers didn't miss out for lack of trying.

How the Panthers desperately went after Watson

League sources detailed the failed pursuit to The Athletic's Joseph Person.

"They described a vetting process of Watson that included a conversation between Tepper and Clemson coach Dabo Swinney," Person wrote, "an effort to bring Cam Newton back to entice Watson to choose the Panthers and concern and uneasiness among some women in the organization due to the allegations."

It's unclear but highly unlikely that Newton would've affected the Panthers' attempts to find a new quarterback at that time. Ultimately, what drove Carolina out of the running was the asking price.

A former team executive claimed the Panthers balked at the guaranteed money for his contract, something the Browns are still paying for. However, it aged well for the club.

This article first appeared on Carolina Panthers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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