Rapoport on Deshaun Watson Trade Rumors: Don't Discount Carolina Panthers

Teams around the NFL have been in the mix on a potential trade for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, including the Carolina Panthers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:

"That is also a team that needs very badly to solve its quarterback issues and an owner who is not afraid to make big, bold moves," Rapoport said of the Panthers.

While Watson hasn't yet publicly asked for a trade, he is reportedly upset with the Texans, and ESPN's Adam Schefter reported there is a sense that he "has played his last snap for the team."

The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins are among the other teams already involved in trade rumors.

The Jets (No. 2) and Dolphins (No. 3) have higher first-round picks in 2021 than the Panthers (No. 8), and both teams could also offer a young quarterback as part of a trade package (Sam Darnold or Tua Tagovailoa). It could force Carolina to offer even more draft capital.

Any trade could still be worth it to land a 25-year-old three-time Pro Bowler. Watson led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards in 2020, adding 444 rushing yards and 36 total touchdowns.

He could be a great fit with Carolina, which has an exciting receiving corps with D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson and Curtis Samuel (free agent), plus an elite pass-catcher out of the backfield in Christian McCaffrey when healthy.

If offensive coordinator Joe Brady remains with the team after interviewing for head coaching jobs, the offense could be one of the best in the NFL.

Teddy Bridgewater played well at times in his first full season as a starter since 2015, but he still only had 15 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. 

Watson would be a clear upgrade, although Bridgewater would leave $10 million in dead cap if he is traded this offseason, per Spotrac. It would leave $20 million in dead cap if he is released.