Report: Panthers to make 'aggressive' offer for Texans' Deshaun Watson

The Carolina Panthers are ready to make an "aggressive" trade offer for Deshaun Watson, according to ESPN's David Newton, so long as the Houston Texans quarterback is first willing to waive his no-trade clause and allow the Panthers to negotiate.

Watson, 26, missed the entire 2021 season after reports surfaced in the offseason that the quarterback was facing allegations of sexual assault and misconduct from several women. On Friday, a grand jury in Houston voted to not indict Watson on 10 criminal complaints. While he's still facing 22 civil lawsuits for inappropriate conduct and a potential suspension from the NFL, teams are reportedly ready to make an effort to acquire Watson now.

In addition to the Panthers, Newton says the Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns are all interested in Watson.

Prior to his season on the sidelines, Watson earned three consecutive Pro Bowl nods and led the NFL in passing yards in 2020. Over four seasons with the Texans, he's thrown 104 touchdowns with 36 interceptions, and he has another 17 rushing touchdowns.

Among the teams eyeing Watson, Carolina has the earliest draft pick at sixth overall; however, the Panthers already traded away their second- and third-round selections in 2021 trades.

Carolina finished the 2021 season with the most interceptions and second-fewest touchdown passes. Former New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold started 11 games for the Panthers, and Cam Newton returned to the team to start five games.