Report: Panthers could trade multiple young stars, picks for Deshaun Watson

The Panthers are in on Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson. However, it won’t be cheap — the compensation required to bring the former Clemson star to Carolina could be great.

According to multiple reports, it could cost the Panthers multiple young stars, as well as substantial draft compensation.

“Sources tell TexansDaily.com that Carolina is not expected to offer safety Jeremy Chinn in any deal,” wrote Cole Thompson of SI’s Fan Nation. “However, defensive end Brian Burns, defensive tackle Derrick Brown and cornerback Jaycee Horn could be on table in a trade, along with multiple picks.”

Being able to hold onto Chinn would be huge for Carolina. The safety has developed into one of the team’s top defensive players since joining the Panthers. However, losing Burns, Brown and Horn would be massive blows to Carolina’s defense.

First, Burns was the No. 16 overall selection of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Florida State. Since, he has evolved into one of the league’s top pass rushers. In his career, Burns has amassed 25.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. The former Seminoles star was selected to his first Pro Bowl last season.

Next, Brown was selected by the Panthers with the No. 7 overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. The former Auburn star was coming off a phenomenal collegiate career, one where he earned the SEC Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2019. Since coming into the league, he’s only scratched the surface of his ability — accumulating 5.0 sacks and 75 tackles.

Finally, Horn is the most recent first round selection by the Panthers. Drafted No. 8 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Carolina selected Horn over star Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II, and star Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields. Originally thought to become a staple in the team’s secondary, his time in Carolina could be over before ever really starting.

Report: Panthers expected to make ‘aggressive’ push for Deshaun Watson

Moreover, Deshaun Watson’s legal situation has been resolved, and now his trade market is reportedly heating up. The Carolina Panthers are expected to be involved in an “aggressive” pursuit of Watson, according to ESPN’s David Newton.

“The Carolina Panthers will make an “aggressive” offer for Deshaun Watson as soon as the Houston quarterback waives his no-trade clause for them to negotiate with the Texans, a league source told ESPN,” Newton said.

“An issue with having the clause waived is not anticipated, the source said.”

The Panthers have been viewed as a possible landing spot for Watson throughout the offseason. Watson, who has thrown for 14,539 yards, 104 touchdowns, and 36 interceptions in his four-year NFL career, would be a clear upgrade in Carolina’s quarterback room. The former Clemson Tigers quarterback is a three-time Pro Bowler.

This past season, the Panthers saw extremely underwhelming results from quarterbacks Sam Darnold, Cam Newton and P.J. Walker. While the price tag on Watson is unknown, the deal would not be cheap. But for a team that is desperate for an answer at quarterback, the Panthers might be willing to meet it. Even with Watson’s situation just recently being resolved, Newton believes that the Panthers are comfortable with his situation.