You didn’t think Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper was going to go away that easily, did you?
In a bit of information that should be placed into the “Yeah, duh!” file, the Panthers are expected to re-engage with the Houston Texans in trade talks for quarterback Deshaun Watson. Johnathan Alexander of The Charlotte Observer, as he wrote on Sunday, believes potential negotiations could very well “pick back up” at the start of the new league year on March 16.
The Panthers’ attempts for 2020’s passing yards leader earlier this season fell apart for a number of reasons. Whether it was the organization’s concerns about Watson’s 22 civil lawsuits, Watson’s preference to land with the Miami Dolphins or the Texans’ high asking price—a deal was simply too difficult to reach.
Alexander notes that now, with the Watson situation still unresolved in Houston and Carolina still searching for an answer under center, there should be a number of concerning factors in play for yet another pursuit. Not only would the Panthers possibly have to part with premium players and assets (defensive end Brian Burns, running back Christian McCaffrey and/or 2022’s sixth overall pick among them) and taking on a hefty $40.4 million cap hit, but the troubling allegations of sexual misconduct and assault must also be considered.
Nothing will likely clear up by that March 18 date. But what obviously won’t clear up is the franchise’s interest in the 26-year-old passer.
