Even as I’m writing this the news is buzzing about the Carolina Panthers being a likely landing spot for Deshaun Watson. In fact, the rumors are swirling that Watson waved his no-trade clause for the team. And while the team is in desperate need of a good quarterback, and Watson fits that description, not everyone is happy. Watson didn’t play last year due to an ongoing legal issue. 22 women accused the Texans quarterback of sexual assault and harassment. Watson was cleared of those criminal charges last week. That’s not enough for some people though who say no matter what they won’t support him or the team.
Others point to the abysmal offense line of the Panthers. They say that is more of a need than getting the quarterback. This is true, no matter who you have at the helm if they have no protection they won’t succeed. So for those fans, it’s more about what the Panthers would have to give up to gain Deshaun Watson. The hope by many is drafting a lineman with the team’s first-round pick. Any trade deal made would almost certainly require us to give up our first-round pick. We’d also have to give up some young superstars who are considered an important part of the future.
After some terrible decisions (in my and many fans’ opinions) by David Tepper and Matt Rhule will this be the right move? They gave up one 2021 draft pick and 2 for 2022 to obtain Sam Darnold, who by most measures was a bust. With few drafts picks already is it worth giving up more to gain Deshaun Watson? Chances are we’d still struggle next year, but for the future, if it works out it could be the right move. But as in life, nothing is a guarantee in sports. Tepper seems to think the risk is worth the reward. Will we even get to take this gamble? We will probably know soon. Will we win the bet? Only time could tell. Until then enjoy the reactions from fans and journalists alike on the possibility of the trade deal and how they feel about it.