NFL rumors: Ian Rapoport reveals how 'aggressive' Panthers will be in Deshaun Watson trade sweepstakes

With Deshaun Watson seemingly on his way out of Houston, the Carolina Panthers have emerged as one of many suitors for the Texans' QB.

With Deshaun Watson seemingly on his way out of Houston, the Carolina Panthers have emerged as one of the quarterback's most avid suitors in trade talks with the Texans. It appears the Panthers have every intention to go all-in on Watson in the offseason, as the team looks for an upgrade at QB.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network confirms the Panthers rumors:

“Don't sleep on the Carolina Panthers,” Rapoport said. “They are a team that I'm told is going to be aggressive in potentially acquiring Deshaun Watson.”

Teddy Bridgewater, Carolina's starting quarterback for 2020, did not have a great campaign for the Panthers. As such, it would not be surprising if Panthers coach Matt Rhule opts to dip into the market to try to get his team a new and improved signal-caller for the upcoming campaign. Watson certainly fits the bill.

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports also reported that the Panthers will indeed be joining the Watson sweepstakes in the offseason:

It's been said — including here — but to repeat… the Panthers have been/are/will be very interested in Deshaun Watson. It's not just bluster or sports radio imagination. It's real.

— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) January 28, 2021

It is worth noting that the Panthers currently have possession of the eighth overall pick in the upcoming draft. They could very well include this pick in a potential offer for Houston in exchange for their want-away star.

Unsurprisingly, the Panthers will not be alone in what is turning out to be a heated pursuit for Watson. The New York Jets, the Chicago Bears, and the Miami Dolphins have also been linked to the 25-year-old. As a matter of fact, it would not be surprising if any and all teams in the league that are looking for a quarterback upgrade will, at the very least, consider bringing in Watson for the new season.

The coaching carousel — at least at the head coaching level (not the position-coach level) — has stopped. Now, however, the quarterback carousel has only begun to spin, and the results of the quarterback switches we are about to see will affect the NFL's balance of power. The Panthers hope to be on the winning end of a Deshaun Watson deal.