On Wednesday, according to sources, the Carolina Panthers will not pursue Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson with the NFL trade deadline looming, Tuesday, November 2, 4:00 p.m. ET.
Multiple media outlets reported earlier in the week that the Panthers (3-4), had shown renewed interest in a Watson trade. This comes after the Panthers loss their fourth straight game and the benching of quarterback Sam Darnold in Sunday’s defeat to Daniel Jones and the New York Giants, 25-3. Carolina also explored the opportunity to trade for Watson during the last offseason, before the lawsuit and before they trade for Darnold.
“You guys know that wasn’t from me,” coach Matt Rhule said Monday of the report of Carolina’s interest. “I have nothing to add to that. My focus is on this team.”
Darnold remains the Panthers signal caller for their Week 8 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
Watson is facing 22 lawsuits alleging sexual assault and inappropriate behavior and has not played a single snap for the Texans this season. The 26 year old, former Clemson standout, has a no-trade clause and will currently only waive it for the Miami Dolphins.
The response to the Panthers pursuit of Watson has been largely negative on social media. It was only four seasons ago that former team owner Jerry Richardson was fined $2.75 million by the NFL after its investigation into alleged workplace misconduct, including sexual harassment and the use of a racial slur with a team scout.
Richardson sold the organization to current owner David Tepper for an NFL-record $2.275 billion. Tepper was in favor of grabbing the Pro Bowl quarterback at first, sources said.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell stated on Tuesday at the fall owners meeting that there was not enough proof about the Watson saga to place him on the commissioner’s exempt list. This means that Watson is clear to play for any franchise if traded.
The Miami Dolphins have long been considered the front runners in the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes. The Texans asking price for the signal caller is quite steep. It has been at least three first-round 2022 draft picks and possibly other players.
League sources said the Panthers were not willing to part with three first-rounders as they try to rebuild their team through the draft.
