USAT: Panthers Wire audio clip

USAT: Panthers Wire

Mar 12, 2022

If morality won’t stop the Carolina Panthers from actually acquiring Deshaun Watson, then maybe he will. - On Friday, a Harris County grand jury opted not to indict the 26-year-old on nine criminal charges stemming from sexual assault and harassment allegations. Shortly thereafter, the market for the Houston Texans quarterback seemingly opened right back up—with multiple teams reportedly prepared to now make an honest run at the three-time Pro Bowler. - But, as was always the case, Watson will have to give his blessing on any potential deal. And according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, he’ll be more inclined to waive his no-trade clause for a team with the following: - - “A good head coach” - “A good offensive line” - “A good defense” - - So, uh, do the Panthers really have any of those? - The head coach criteria is particularly questionable. Matt Rhule, who was quite lucky to survive into 2022, is hanging on by a thread after one of the most embarrassing seasons in franchise history. - The offensive line, of course, isn’t good. In fact, it isn’t even passable—as they used 12 different starting configurations in 2021. - And although the defense was largely solid, allowing the second-fewest yards in the NFL this past year, trading for Watson could mean parting ways with one or two of defensive end Brian Burns, defensive tackle Derrick Brown, safety Jeremy Chinn and cornerback Jaycee Horn. Not to mention, the possibility of losing their top pass rusher in Haason Reddick and two more corners in Stephon Gilmore and Donte Jackson is very real. - Watson will certainly have more credible suitors vying for his services—perhaps the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the Philadelphia Eagles. The fact that the Panthers are so stuck behind the proverbial 8-ball may be the ultimate end to this year-long pursuit. - - RelatedReport: Panthers have been in contact with Texans about QB Deshaun WatsonReport: Panthers 'all-in' on trying to acquire Texans QB Deshaun Watson - - List - - 4 biggest takeaways from Panthers GM Scott Fitterer's combine presser - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Panthers Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Panthers Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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