Before the Carolina Panthers can finally get their quarterback under center, they’ll have to take it in from the 1-yard line themselves. And according to The Charlotte Observer, they may very well be crossing that marker soon.
As reported by Jonathan M. Alexander, Monday night’s meeting between the team and Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson went quite well. In fact, it was great.
“The general feeling within the organization, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation, was that the meeting was a ‘great’ one,” Alexander wrote on Tuesday morning.
Carolina wasn’t alone in Houston, however. The New Orleans Saints also made the trip, in what’s seemingly their own pursuit of the three-time Pro Bowler.
But, is it really?
In a separate report, WFNZ’s Stan M. Norfleet noted that the NFC South foes may not be as serious about Watson as they are about driving up the price on the Panthers.
Just spoke with someone in the know regarding #DeshaunWatson…
1. CAR is down to extend him for cap purposes.
(more Gtd. cash for DW)
2. NO isn't nearly as motivated as CAR & CLE. Might be some gamesmanship to drive CAR price up.
3. CLE is most attractive to DW b/c of roster.— Stan M. Norfleet (@stansportsman) March 15, 2022
This would, of course, be no surprise for an organization that’s rather proficient at four-dimensional football chess. Why not gauge where Watson stands while, at the very least, potentially crippling your division rival in the process?
Watson, additionally, is set to meet with the Cleveland Browns this afternoon. Given their supporting cast, as alluded to by Norfleet, they could have the edge in getting the thumbs up on the 26-year-old passer’s no-trade clause.
Either way, the Panthers have their heads down and are inching ever closer to that goal line.
