Panthers emerge as option for Watson
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has a no-trade lock on his contract, wants to consider multiple options for a new team as the trade deadline approaches.
Many organizations are interested in Watson, and while his interest in joining the Miami Dolphins has become the worst-kept secret, the source put to rest the notion that it’s Miami or nothing.
The Dolphins remain a strong option to take Watson, but he would consider other potential options because his primary goal is to get out of Houston, according to the source. The Texans also want to maximize the deal for Watson.
An emerging option is the Carolina Panthers, who are evaluating their chances of gaining access to a franchise quarterback after a 25-3 loss to the New York Giants.
The growing anticipation centers on whether Carolina will be able to enter into talks with Watson. Carolina was a serious suitor early in the 2021 offseason before the sexual assault allegations against Watson surfaced, but Houston general manager Nick Caserio would not listen to offers at the time.
The Athletic first reported the Panthers’ renewed interest in Watson. The deadline for trades is Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. ET.
The Panthers traded second-, fourth- and sixth-round picks to the New York Jets last April for Sam Darnold, who has struggled mightily in recent weeks.
Darnold was benched early in the fourth quarter Sunday, but will remain Carolina’s starter “going forward,” according to coach Matt Rhule, who stressed that he made the quarterback change against the Giants because the Panthers “needed some spark.”
Darnold was benched three days after being given a vote of confidence by Rhule, who was asked about the possibility of the Panthers going after Watson in a trade. Rhule emphasized to reporters Thursday that Darnold “will be a great quarterback for the Carolina Panthers” and that he is “not looking anywhere else” regarding Watson.
The belief is that the Dolphins, 1-6 after Sunday’s loss to the Falcons, don’t want to compete for Watson. Tua Tagovailoa, who would likely be part of any trade for Watson involving the Dolphins, threw four touchdown passes against Atlanta, but Miami lost its sixth straight game.
Dolphins coach Brian Flores reiterated his support for Tagovailoa last week amid Watson trade speculation, emphasizing that “Tua is our quarterback.”
The Broncos have also been considered for Watson, but Denver has not made a major move at this time, according to sources.
Watson, 26, initially requested a trade to the Texans last January, but his NFL future is uncertain. The three-time Pro Bowler faces allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior in 22 active lawsuits and has been inactive for Houston’s first seven games this season.
