Panthers Rumors: Deshaun Watson Talks with Texans 'Quiet' amid Falcons, Saints Buzz

The Carolina Panthers are "increasingly unlikely" to acquire Deshaun Watson in a trade with the Houston Texans, according to Joseph Person of The Athletic. 

"Barring a last-minute Hail Mary, all signs are pointing Deshaun Watson in a direction other than Charlotte," Person reported, adding, "It's been quiet on the Watson front at the Panthers' offices Thursday."

According to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network, Watson is set to decide between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons.

The Saints, Falcons, Panthers and Cleveland Browns met with the quarterback this week in an effort to convince him to waive his no-trade clause, per ProFootballTalk. 

The Browns were informed they were out of the running Thursday, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

With Watson likely to pick the Saints or Falcons, it'll mark a significant swing in the NFC South's outlook.

The Panthers will have to look elsewhere for an upgrade at quarterback after a disappointing season from Sam Darnold in 2021.

The team traded for the 2018 No. 3 overall pick last offseason, and Darnold began the year well with five passing and five rushing touchdowns during the team's 3-1 start. He was responsible for just four touchdowns over his next eight appearances, though, and Carolina won one of his last seven starts.

Cam Newton returned midseason and got an audition as the starting quarterback, but he struggled as a passer, and Darnold took over for the last two games.

Though Darnold remains under contract with an $18.9 million cap hit, it's clear the Panthers would prefer another option under center. 

The roster could be set up for success with improvement at quarterback, including a defense that ranked second in yards allowed last season. With offensive weapons like Christian McCaffrey, DJ Moore, Robby Anderson and Terrace Marshall Jr., the tools are there for a quick turnaround.