Panthers are releasing two-time, Pro-Bowl DT Kawann Short today, per source. Teams in the market for DT help now have another strong option.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 16, 2021
Panthers informed starting safety Tre Boston today that they are releasing him, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 19, 2021
The Panthers have released Kawann Short, Tre Boston, Stephen Weatherly and Michael Palardy.
— Barstool North Carolina (@BarstoolNCdavid) February 19, 2021
This opens up a total of about $33.5 million in cap space.
Panthers fans, BUCKLE UP. pic.twitter.com/HjrVBVYqNA
Last week the Panthers started to make true money moves for the organization's future by cutting some of their defensive stars. Tre Boston and Kawann Short, cornerstones in the defense since 2014 and 2013 respectively, were released among others this week in order to open up more cap space for the 2021 season.
As Deshaun Watson's market begins to heat up it is becoming clear that the Panthers would be a strong suitor for the 25 year old Pro Bowl quarterback. In fact according to Peter King, Panthers owner David Tepper is "More like obsessed" with finding his next long term quarterback, even after signing Teddy Bridgewater to a three year deal before last season.
An organization should always want more for themselves, especially if it means going after a talent as special as Watson has proved himself to be. Not to mention Carolina has the pieces on offense and defense to make Watson not only effective, but maybe an immediate winner as well with what is already there.
The backfield is loaded with talent in Christian McCaffrey and Mike Davis, who is most likely to work in 3rd down role next year. The passing game already is electric with the three headed monster that is Robby Anderson, DJ Moore, and Curtis Samuel. This trio tallied over 95 targets each in 2020, while Anderson and Moore each earned career highs in receiving yards. Not to mention Carolina has a solid and paid offensive line. The only thing the Panthers offense is missing is an elite tight end to take the stress off the receivers and Christian McCaffrey.
Not to mention Watson is a Clemson alumni. To be only two hours away from his alma mater would be excellent for his already existing fan base and idealistically would make him a much bigger part of the Clemson football legacy due to his ability to be around the school and community more than when he was in Houston.
The Panthers should be able to pay the Texans ransom for Watson. Carolina has strong draft capital this year with picks at 8, 39, 73, and 104 for the first four rounds. If a trade was to be built the first round pick this year and next year are most likely a center piece. A second and a third could also be a part of a deal like this as those picks have become more valuable in recent years. To throw away speculation here is a deal that I could see possibly going down for the best available quarterback of my lifetime:
Texans Receive:
2021 First Round Pick (8)
2022 First Round Pick
2021 Second Round Pick (39)
2022 Third Round Pick
Teddy Bridgewater (2 YRs, $48,953,125)
Panthers Receive:
Deshaun Watson
Whitney Mercilus (Last Season before Opt-Out year, brings on $3.1 mil dead-cap)
While every team with a questionable quarterback situation will inquire about Watson over the coming weeks, the one thing that we do know about the situation is that this is far from over.
--- Dombito
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