The Panthers’ pursuit of Deshaun Watson is no joke. Owner David Tepper is “obsessed” with finding a long-term quarterback solution this offseason, according to a well-placed source who spoke with Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
The Panthers thought they found their QB one year ago when they inked Teddy Bridgewater to a three-year, $63MM deal. They already have buyer’s remorse. Bridgewater showed his age and injury history last year, prompting the Panthers to look elsewhere. Of course, there’s still the matter of his contract — the Panthers are already locked in for $10MM in guaranteed base money this year. And, if Bridgewater remains on the roster, he’ll earn his full $17MM base salary, plus $1MM total in workout and per-game bonuses.
Tepper’s desire to upgrade could lead them to a Watson deal, even though it would be costly in terms of dollars and draft capital. The other option would be to trade up from the No. 8 overall pick to land one of this year’s top quarterbacks. Similar to the Broncos, the Panthers are in on Watson, though they were never all that keen on Carson Wentz. That’s a sign that the Panthers are looking to land a superstar, rather than a bridge QB (no pun intended).
It’s worth noting that the Panthers recently carved out significant cap space, with help from center Matt Paradis. That extra coin could give them the room necessary to land Watson and untangle themselves from Bridgewater.
He does have many options.
Did you leave a couple of letters out?
Me think why waste time say lot word when few word do trick?
Fire bad!
Oh Kevin!
Specifically N O T?
astros fan – Carr, Mariota, Watson, Wilson, Foles,Trubinsky, Jimmy G , Darnold , all have had different levels of seriousness in regards to whether they will move teams or not. Sounds like he does have many options ( not all good not all realistic but options nonetheless)
His team will not go anywhere if he continues to be IMPATIENT. seems to me like his coaches can do no wrong,and every loss is the QB fault. never mind his defense can’t stop 3rd downs when it mattered most,no TE PRESENCE,struggling OLINE when in 3rd down situations, no C.M most of the season,dropped passes,etc.. a lot of HOLES to fill but yet he CRITICIZED his starting QB..
i mean they are rebuliding. why do they need to find said solution now?
Brees retired. Brady may last 1 more season and Tampa needs money to resign people. Ryan is older and Falcons could be replacing him soon.
They’re a QB away from possibly winning the division and 3 years of Watson could fit into a small window of contention.
They have the weapons. Moore, Anderson, CMC (if healthy).
Bridgewater, 3 1sts, 2 2nds for Watson would be hard to pass up for the Texans.
it really should be about winning a ring above just the division. I know that’s the first part, but unloading a load of draft capital might be a move better served for waiting. perhaps Watson does end up having to stay in TEX and you can get him next year (or at the deadline if you want to jump the gun) for less.
Panthers aren’t the only suitors.
Dolphins, Jets, 49ers, etc are also in the mix.
He’s not staying in Houston. Theyll wait till maximum bids are on the table, probably after free agency is in full swing and teams can assess their roster and then trade draft picks ones holes are theoretically filled via FA for the next 2-3 years.
Panthers don’t want to bid thats fine. Watson will wind up elsewhere.
There isn’t a lack of interest.
Now if only they could build an O-Line… which will be increasingly more difficult giving up the house in a trade for a QB that is already getting killed back there for his career and going nowhere for it (despite the clear skills and ability).
They could also snag Trey Lance or Justin Fields with those picks.
Not really,almost all your OLINE needs to be resigned.. you probably better look at what he had in Houston. Fuller,Bradin Cooks,Kenny Stills,Randall Cobb and still lost. I would love to see Teddy go there with all those picks plus CM and you will lose Anderson in one year because he will go to Houston as well,he only came there because of Teddy. Watson already said he doesn’t want to go to a team if it would take away a lot
The Texans should take full advantage of Carolina’s child-like infatuation with Watson and help them out. It would be interesting to see which team makes the playoffs first – the team that gets 5+ high round starters, or the team that gets Watson and is forced to start a bunch of 6th and 7th round picks who otherwise would’ve been cut.
I see some team acting like Mike Ditka trying to get Rickey Williams or Minnesota trading for Walker.
This would require the Texans front office to actually do something smart for a change.
RCT –
I guess it’s bound to happen sooner or later….even if it happens by mistake LOL
Are you suggesting trading a too 5 QB is a smart move? Because most would disagree….
Not really,almost all your OLINE needs to be resigned.. you probably better look at what he had in Houston. Fuller,Bradin Cooks,Kenny Stills,Randall Cobb and still lost. I would love to see Teddy go there with all those picks plus CM and you will lose Anderson in one year because he will go to Houston as well,he only came there because of Teddy. Watson already said he doesn’t want to go to a team if it would take away a lot.
IMPATIENT OWNER!! just doesn’t want to stay the course.. everyone wants to win a SUPERBOWL,but if you build it right they will get there. Watson had about the same amount of talent around him as this team did without Hopkins and they still lost. when the team is COMPLETE everywhere else,then you can evaluate your QB.. but right now there are too many holes to fill…
I read “Panthers owner understands how to win in the NFL.”
In other news, the Texans’ potential asking price for Watson just doubled if they negotiate with the Panthers. Obsession is a hell of a drug…
What age did Teddy show last year? He’s 28
He also had his best season as a pro, and that was without his best weapon (CMC).
Chaney –
His knee is 66 though
Blame Joyner for that.
Fair point
I didn’t realize only missing 1 game was showing his age and injury history. He also had to play without the best player on the team for all but 3 games. The panthers weren’t built to win last year and Teddy made them surprisingly competitive. 4-11 doesn’t show how many close games they played.