Something that was dropped in my inbox today...

[Verge]

In the coming months teams are expecting Deshaun Watson will likely settle and be punished to the tune of 6+ games. There are certain teams planning to make a move, and have prepared if this opening came again. (Adam Schefter reported something to this extent I believe) We are still one of those teams from what my guys has heard. There are a couple of teams that are trying to play it a little close to the vest given the framing of his legal issues. I am told Carolina, Philadelphia, Miami, and Minnesota are among the top teams interested and willing to give up their weight in gold to go get him.

Now I know this is going to come with some political discourse, as it should, but this thread is strictly for this idea, and not about his legal issues. We have plenty of places you can discuss those, including in the tinderbox. I am not a fan of Watson, but this news is what it is. No real timeline for this to happen, but as I said earlier, teams are bracing for sometime in the next few months. 

[SmokinwithWilly]

I know Watson is an insane talent but the cost is still likely going to be too high. We’ve already seen what happens when you have a franchise QB with a lack of talent surrounding them. You can only go so far. Being cap strapped and likely down 3 1sts and some 2nds would seriously hamper this team’s ability to contend. 

[bababoey]

6 minutes ago, SmokinwithWilly said:

I know Watson is an insane talent but the cost is still likely going to be too high. We’ve already seen what happens when you have a franchise QB with a lack of talent surrounding them. You can only go so far. Being cap strapped and likely down 3 1sts and some 2nds would seriously hamper this team’s ability to contend. 

Considering the new TV deals will start in 2023 and adds alot of cap money to all the teams,  I don't know how cap strapped we would really be.  Maybe for a year but not much longer. 

The big question would be the cost in picks.  Is Houston saying we are through with Watson and will take the first decent offer we get or do they want to hold out for a bidding war.  A smart team would hold out for a bidding war, but we are talking about Houston so you never know.

[Davidson Deac II]

If Darnold looks solid, we won't be a contender.  If he doesn't, then who knows what might happen.  

[SmokinwithWilly]

Just now, bababoey said:

Considering the new TV deals will start in 2023 and adds alot of cap money to all the teams,  I don't know how cap strapped we would really be.  Maybe for a year but not much longer. 

The big question would be the cost in picks.  Is Houston saying we are through with Watson and will take the first decent offer we get or do they want to hold out for a bidding war.  A smart team would hold out for a bidding war, but we are talking about Houston so you never know.

It does add more cap space but agents are going to know that as well. I would expect the asking price between 20-25% of the team’s projected cap space, maybe between $50-60m per year will be the asking price. How often does a QB of his caliber come up for availability? That is 3-4 high end position contracts. Would the sum of those be greater with Darnold than Watson by himself. Even more questions surround the Darnold situation than before if this is true.

[run-run-pass-punt]

No judgment about his personal/legal issues because it would only be hearsay on my part.

As for the player, I love him.

As for the cost to get him, I'd rather not.

[JawnyBlaze]

We have the talent that adding Watson would make us instant contenders. Adding in that the trade price should be a little lower with the newly discovered risk and image hit that comes with him, I’d be absolutely thrilled to get him if Darnold stinks and we don’t have a high enough pick to get a good QB in the draft. 

[countryboi]

if the stuff about Watson is even half true, people like that don't just stop.

he is going to continue to prey on women and I wouldn't want someone like that any where never my organization no matter his talent level. 

[LinvilleGorge]

It would take a LOT of background research on the Panthers' part to make me even close to comfortable to making a deal for Watson at this point and I was ALL for it prior to half the female massage therapists on the planet accusing him of some form of sexual impropriety.

[kungfoodude]

Seems unlikely we would be able to land him, even if he were available. 

[Jesse]

Hmmm.

Tepper was in Pittsburgh all those years they've had Roethlisberger and he's still in the league. So I won't be surprised if we continue to keep Watson on our radar.

[cookinbrak]

Don't buy it. If we were in any way interested, we wouldn't have picked up Darnolds 5th year option.

[Snake]

1 hour ago, Davidson Deac II said:

If Darnold looks solid, we won't be a contender.  If he doesn't, then who knows what might happen.  

This right here.

[Jared Patterson]

Thanks Verge, quick question: Do you think the Panthers end up signing another safety before/after camp? Also, who are some possible safety cuts? Ive heard a few rumors about Quandre Diggs, Landon Collins and Karl Joesph as possible cuts. Don't know if any of that will actually happen, but do you see us being interested in any safety's such as Malik Hooker or these possible cuts/others?