And it’s down to two. The Panthers have been informed that they’re out in the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter). That leaves the Falcons and Saints as the final remaining suitors for the Texans QB.
[RELATED: Browns Out Of Contention For Deshaun Watson]
Carolina had been connected to Watson for the better part of a year, and they were one of the four teams to meet with the QB. We learned earlier today that the Browns were the first loser of the Watson sweepstakes, and now we can include the Panthers to the list.
While the Browns find themselves in a messy situation following the fallout from Watson’s decision, the Panthers won’t really have to deal with those kind of issues, and they’ll still probably be in the hunt for a QB. Sam Darnold struggled during his first season in Carolina, with Cam Newton and P.J. Walker also getting looks in 2021.
So when will we get a resolution on the Watson trade? We may have to wait through the weekend, according to Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com. The reporter writes that the QB “will take some time to think things over,” and he could use the weekend to make his decision. The Falcons bought themselves some extra time earlier tonight when they delayed Matt Ryan‘s impending roster bonus. Meanwhile, the cap-strapped Saints have continued to carve out some space for a potential trade.
Jimmy G?
Bahahahahahahaha wheres the guy saying the panthers wrs are better than Michael Thomas and Alvin kamara
This has nothing to do the WRs. I think he made the best choice not coming here and I’m a Panthers fan and believe falcons and saints are a better fit, this could be a great pickup by one of them or turn out bad with the legal stuff. Time will tell.
It’s wild to think that NO is a better option as far as weapons go considering on top of a Watson suspension, you’re looking at a Kamara suspension.
Well we didn’t have to give up our 1st round pick and we can trade down to get more picks. We need them as we don’t have 2 or 3 this year. Watson has got super immense talent but we need more than just a qb. I think his decision actually was the best thing to happen for those reasons.
I mean if the package was #6, next years 1 and a combination of CMC, a defensive player and either another player or a 2, that the Panthers would be fine. Again, these trades are gonna hamstring most teams in the immediate future so whoever has the best talent around them has the best chance to maximize him. I don’t think he makes them a SB contender immediately but I think that the Panthers have a better supporting cast than anywhere else that was on his list.
I agree with them not making them a super bowl contender. I do think we have more than a qb to figure out. We need draft picks to hit. Why I think moving down the draft and still picking up a qb is a great option. I love Sam Howell but others don’t seem to be sold on him. I think moving down and getting a 2nd, 3rd would but just for our future.
And honestly Sam Howell isn’t a good QB. At best you’re hoping he’s Darnold. Which basically says he’s a backup. If they’re not getting Watson, I don’t know how prudent winning now is. They could presumably lose and have a chance at Young, Stroud or Uiagaleilei? I’d prefer any of them over every QB in this draft.
Well. Howell was good when he had an OL. He was bad when he didn’t. He also looked solid at senior bowl. Is he a starting qb? Idk. I think it’s a crap shoot with all these qbS in the draft to be honest.
I think it’s less of a crapshoot when they’re not really that good in college. 3 of his 5 OL were seniors so it wasn’t really that.
He lost all of his primary contributors in 2020 and I’ll acknowledge that but that’s the thing is if you can’t elevate the next wave, how are you going to as a pro? I don’t like ANY of the QB prospects this year though. At all. They all say “bust” or “career backup” in my opinion. Kenny Pickett essentially did what Zach Wilson did. Nothing until his last season. Zach Wilson was dog water all year having 4 of his 13 games have him at or above 60% completion. Pickett doesn’t seem any different. Can do some entertaining things in college but probably won’t be a good pro soon. Malik Willis is the best athlete but his floor is described as not being able to pass at the pro level. That’s not a first rounder to me. Ridder is limited as a passer. He just is. I like him because he’s worked hard and if we’re being honest he’s probably the only guy worth being a first rounder. But I believe he deserves to go 32 to Detroit.
Honestly the QB I feel best about is Bailey Zappe and rightfully so, he’ll go in round 3 or later. None of these guys are ready to start if we’re being honest.
Hold off on Kamara suspension thoughts. I’ve heard that there was more to the story than was told originally. Kamara also isn’t the guy that will just all of a sudden take it to somebody for no reason
I remember similar things said about…every guy that ever gets wrapped up in it. I don’t care what excuse someone tries to use. 6 dudes on 1…you’re not getting off scot free
I don’t think Howell is a bad option, but probably will be an overdraft for a QB that misses high too often down the middle and may possibly continue to rely on his legs to compensate for broken plays. Mobility is a strength, of course, and it’s good that Howell showed it well, but it isn’t a substitute for broken pocket play. And Carolina really is not in position to develop a QB right now, despite Darnold’s presence as a possible bridge starter. I also think that Kyle has a valid point about Kamara.
The CMC trade would have essentially made Carolina too similar to Houston with Watson. It would ultimately end up with Watson scrambling around to make plays behind a questionable line and one proven receiver and a stable of questionable running backs. Carolina’s defense played well at times last year, though I’m not familiar enough to compare it overall to Houston’s, which also had spots of decency in the Watson era. Finally, Tepper is a very involved owner, which may not be to Watson’s liking long term. Plus, Rhule may be gone soon-though if Watson thinks that he could have say on team maneuvers in a new regime, that could have been a plus for him.
Ultimately I think-with no real proof admittedly-Watson would attempting a fresh start with some similar circumstances to a team that he just left. Atlanta seems to have a couple of similarities, but the coaching staff feels more secure. I don’t that it was a coincidence that Carolina and Atlanta were two final options, given their respective locations. New Orleans probably has the best team situation for him right now, but I think Carolina and Atlanta being close to home/college were big factors.
He needs to relax to make a decision. Maybe he should get a massage
In the end, that might make him happy
Happy ending for a happy ending
Apparently not so happy for the ladies.
Now that’s funny I don’t care who you are. Lol
I’ll bet that massage has a hand in helping him make that decision.
Should do it like a Bachelor series, whittling the list down to the final two…hell, he’s already eliminated 22 women.
I’m not a Panthers fan but from what I’ve seen of them maybe you run it back with Darnold and hopefully a healthy backfield? Draft some Oline help and D and try again?
Not sure Jimmy G puts them over the top
Bye bye Mattyice
He going to Atlanta close to home , the Texans could use a veteran QB young talent in Kyle Pitts. I believe we are trading Matt Ryan , Deion Jones a first next year and our 2 2nd round picks this year
I honestly don’t think that would be anywhere close to enough
try first this year and next year
Kyle Pitts and 2 1sts would be intriguing. Similar to 3 1st rounders. Kyle Pitts this years #8, and next years 1st. Idk if atlanta gives up the only weapon they have.
It’s going to be 3 1sts and one or two players and a 2nd rounder. The Texans want nothing to do with Ryan. Likely he’s headed to the Colts (probably the hold up as they work compensation).
I hope it’s not the Saints. They should get Winston, find a few pieces, and try and win the division again
As opposed to getting Watson and actually trying to win a Super Bowl?
They aren’t winning anything in 2022 – as Watson and Kamera will be suspended for half the year.
Likely correct, but then why bring in Winston? Might as well load up for ‘23.
As a Steelers fan I was interested in Winston, so I’m honestly not knocking him. But Watson is tiers above him.
@HighAltitude
Precisely. That’s why I think it is brilliant for the Saints to try and get Watson now. Both Watson and Kamara will be suspended for at least 8 games this season. So 1) Get Watson, 2) Both Watson and Kamara get suspended, 3) Tank this season with Hill and Watson as QBs, 4) Get top 10 pick.
Saints management is playing Chess while other Watson pursuers are playing Checkers….
You are missing a huge part of this equation dude. That Tanking only results in a higher pick for HOU. NO will give up that pick in next years draft to acquire Watson… must be that Louisiana education
Lolololcoaster What are YOU playing? HOU ain’t gonna give ATL the 1st round draft pick this year or next year back! Also Browns Town.
Winston was solid leading into his season-ending injury and I think he gives them a good chance. Although, Watson is a great QB as long as he stays out of trouble.
If they get Watson, NO is going to have to rebrand the team. Toss Kamara in there, they’re far from Saints.
Is this guy worth all this? In the end he has done nothing yet. Plus not all 22 woman are lying. There is truth there somewhere. You want to mortgage your future on that. Look at Cleveland now all the have is a pissed QB who wants out and don’t blame him
This is funny and then it’s not funny, No this guy is NOT worth all of this.
I will laugh when he’s finally traded and then the NFL hits him with an 8 game suspension.
What’s worst…22 cases of sexual abuse or kneeling during the national anthem?
Lol is that even a serious question?
This question will never die. It will be brought up in regards to completely unrelated matters until the end of time as we know it.
Depends on who you ask
It won’t matter which team gets him really. He’s gonna be suspended for the first 8-10 games for violating the NFL code of conduct and if the Falcons want to burn that bridge when it comes to Matt Ryan then that’s on them
This seems like a lot of hype. Watson is 28-25 in his career and has 1 playoff win I believe? The belief that adding Watson makes your team a SB contender seems unfounded. Given the off field troubles and the character questions they create going forward (how long until the next set of women from your town are in the news?), why would you want your franchise to spend a 7th round choice on this guy? Not worth it for Brady rings!
I was unaware he played defense too? Stop using wins for an argument about one player. That is a team accomplishment.
Always making excuses for Watson’s mediocre record…
I know QB get’s too much credit for wins and too much blame for a loss, but he is a .500 QB and a creep. Just saying seems like a lot of hype. I’m glad my team isn’t trading the future and endangering the women in our city for him.
Crazy idea but …..
Texans: Barkley, Bradberry and picks numbers 7, 36 and a future first.
Giants: Deshaun Watson and Taveierre Thomas
I’d then trade down with the 7th pick with the Eagles for Andre Dillard and picks, 16 and 83.
Then to play out the draft:
Take Thidodeux 3rd overall, 16th overall take Treylon Burks. At 36, Devonte Wyatt, 37th Christian Harris, 68th Ed Ingram and 83rd Jermey Ruckett.
Texans then have Mills, Barkley, Cooks, Burks, Collins and Ruckett on offence. Behind a good line made up of Tunsil, Howard, Britt, Ingram and Dillard.
Defensively you now have Collins, Wyatt, Thiboudex, Harris, Kirksey, Bradberry, King, Murray and Johnson.
Next draft can decide if you replace Mills and it will be a strong QB draft. You can also considering replacing Barkley then if he can’t overcome the injuries. You’ll also have a future first from the Giants to use aswell.
You’d actually have a bright young future and could shock a few teams.
Giants I think you need to be bold and go for Watson. You need a top 10 QB like that and your really not giving up much either if you think about it. You have two picks in the top 10, Barkley is on the trade block and so is Bradberry who you might end up cutting. You then also give up a second and a future first.
Your team still has multiple receivers with Galloday, Shepard, Toney and Slayton. You can flip Daniel Jones for a pick or two. Grab a healthy young RB in the second or third round like a Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker, Spiller or Williams. Grab a safety, fix that o line up abit. Daboll will run a lot better team but get Watson and build around him
You put a lot of thought into this proposal, I see, but this won’t happen for 2 reasons:
1. Watson has NO TRADE CLAUSE in his contract. He won’t waive it to go to NYG, and
2. NYG ownership won’t approve the deal even if Watson waives his NTC. Giants owners are image conscious, and they don’t want a QB marred with scandal as their face of the franchise even if that QB is as talented as Watson.
PFR should put up a poll and let folks vote on where they think Watson will end up. I’d put my vote on Atlanta.
Will suspended indefinitely be an option? That’s where I think he should end up.
I’m sure there would be quite a few votes for Bexar County Jail…
Take 2015 away from Cam and yikes!
For sure the Panthers made the best trade offer. Tough luck Houston. Watson doesn’t care.
The Saints just missed out on the playoffs last year, that might be a better landing spot. Wherever Watson says he wants to go, he needs to understand that because of his salary and the amount of draft capital to get him, it could be a brief competitive period.
The Browns may have found themselves in a messy situation, but it’s not unfamiliar territory for them. The Mayfield relationship is likely irreconcilable. They may get the chance to grossly overpay for Jimmy G.
No news on the trade???
I read he’s been traded to the Browns who signed him to a Guaranteed 5-230 contract