The Carolina Panthers are one of the teams that have shown interest in Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, and injured star running back Christian McCaffrey recently even found his name attached to Watson rumors. However, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Panthers head coach Matt Rhule and general manager Scott Fitterer both called up McCaffrey on Friday night to tell him “they never discussed or even considered trading him to Houston for Watson.”

It appears that a Watson deal to Carolina isn't in the cards anyway. The Texans quarterback won't waive his no-trade clause to go to the Panthers, who have seen starting quarterback Sam Darnold regress in a big way after his hot start to the season. With Watson not wanting to go to Carolina, trade scenarios between the two teams haven't actually escalated to anything serious.

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As of right now, it seems as if it's Miami Dolphins or bust for a Watson trade. Watson wants to go there, but the Dolphins want more clarity with the quarterback's legal situation amid the 22 civil lawsuits and 10 criminal complaints for sexual misconduct. Getting that clarity before Tuesday's trade deadline feels like a long shot, though, and Houston is apparently prepared to keep Watson. The Texans would then shop the quarterback in the offseason if no deal is done.

As for McCaffrey and the Panthers, the running back is currently on injured reserve with a troublesome hamstring injury. Carolina is desperately hoping he'll be ready to go when he's eligible to return for action in Week 9, because the offense really needs him.

The Panthers have lost four consecutive games after starting the season 3-4. Darnold has been horrific of late, even getting benched last week in favor of P.J. Walker during an ugly loss to the New York Giants.