“This Could Get Juicy”
February 19th, 2022
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
The right quarterback can make all the difference.
Nobody knows that better than Buc Nation. Bengal fans also realize how the drafting of Joe Burrow transformed a dismal franchise.
A lot of football eyes are on Deshaun Watson right now, for good reason.
He’s only 26 and the last time he played, Watson ended up leading the NFL in passing yards for a lousy Houston team in 2020. For his career, Watson’s 104.5 passer rating is tied with Aaron Rodgers for No. 2 all-time behind Patrick Mahomes.
We’re talking about an elite quarterback chosen as the 18th best player in the league in voting by his peers after the 2020 season.
Are the Glazers prepared for a bidding war?
If Watson can resolve his serious legal issues to the league’s satisfaction, and that’s a big if, the Bucs would likely have a strong interest in acquiring him through a trade. The Texans would demand substantial compensation in the form of multiple first-round draft picks and perhaps even a veteran player.
The Bucs may not be willing to meet that price, but there’s another team in Tampa Bay’s division ready to pounce.
Waiting With Urgency
The Carolina Panthers, coming off four consecutive losing seasons amid a quarterback carousel, are eager to change their wretched fortunes under center. Since 2018, Sam Darnold, Teddy Bridgewater, Kyle Allen and Cam Newton have added up to a 22-43 record that keeps ornery owner David Tepper up at night.
Tepper has more money than he can possibly spend, but he doesn’t have a Super Bowl ring. When he attends the NFL owners meetings, he sees on-field success all around him and asks a simple question: why not me?
The Panthers finished 5-12 last season after a 3-0 getaway, but there are some building blocks. Christian McCaffrey played only seven games due to injury, crippling an offense which ranked 29th in scoring and 30th in yards. D.J. Moore is a very productive wide receiver who would thrive more if Watson came aboard.
Carolina ranked No. 2 in total defense with a slew of good, young players.
The chronic problem in Charlotte is an attack that just scored 19 points or less 10 times in 17 games, primarily because nobody respects Matt Ruhle’s passing game. He replaced offensive coordinator Joe Brady with Jeff Nixon late last season and now Ben McAdoo is running the offense.
There are new coaches for the offensive line, wide receivers and tight ends, but nothing will truly change until Carolina finds a quarterback. With Darnold and Newton struggling last fall, the team’s 68.5 passer rating was last in the league.
The Panthers completed only 58 percent of their throws, with 14 TD passes and an NFL-high 21 interceptions.
Brace for a new Panthers face, explains Ira Kaufman.
All that changes in a big way if Watson rolls into Charlotte. There would be a mild backlash from the public based on the allegations of Watson’s sexual misconduct. but victories have a way of drowning out the naysayers.
If Aaron Rodgers returns to Green Bay and Seattle brings Russell Wilson back, Watson would loom as the big prize behind Door No. 2. It could come down to an NFC South showdown between the Bucs and the Panthers for Watson’s services. His no-trade clause might be a factor in a potential deal — and that could favor the Bucs.
But make no mistake … Tepper will give this venture his best shot.
The former hedge fund manager isn’t hedging his bets and he identified his primary target. Carolina and Houston were involved in talks for Watson last October, when the Panthers were 3-4.
After last year’s debacle under center, the Panthers are even more desperate for a new face of the franchise.
This could get juicy — Tepper vs. the Glazers, competing for a 3-time Pro Bowler entering the prime of his career.
Go big or go home.
February 19th, 2022 at 11:41 am
I am all in! Just confirm with TB12 that he is for sure done, and then make the move…. the no trade clause definitely favors Tampa, and if we have to lose draft capital, but can keep a lot of our own while signing timely vets, we could continue to contend even during the loss of draft picks… dust settles, a few years from now and we are still contending (heck maybe even another championship) and have our draft capital back… dare to dream!
February 19th, 2022 at 11:50 am
The Panthers do have the 6th pick in 22…..but they have no 2nd or 3rd round picks……they do have some cap space.
The problem with Watson’s character is exacerbated in a market like Charlotte…..
I live in NC and can tell you his alleged behavior if true (22 times)….would be a serious PR nightmare at Carolina. I’ve been to Buc games there and it is very much a family activity.
February 19th, 2022 at 11:50 am
If Watson can resolve his serious legal issues to the league’s satisfaction, and that’s a big if, the Bucs would likely have a strong interest in acquiring him through a trade.
– Why would Houston trade him if his legal issues were resolved?
February 19th, 2022 at 11:53 am
Watson has declared he will never play for Houston again, right? So either they pay him to sit out or cut him or trade him.
February 19th, 2022 at 11:55 am
Interesting scenario Ira. Carolina may very well make a play for Watson, but doubt that he’d go for it. They’ve got a good defense for sure, but their offense is really questionable. And especially the OLine (I can hear the Panthers’ new war cry now: ‘Run Deshaun Run; Faster Deshaun Faster’).
Panthers aren’t really all THAT much better off than the Bucs are in terms of salary CAP. They’re sitting in #16 place right now with 58 players signed (and half of those are making $1 mil or less) with $17.8 mil to play with (based on the Top-51). Bucs are in 19th place only about $10 mil less than Carolina. Nah, Watson will be going elsewhere, IF in fact he ends up leaving the Texans this year. (His Dead CAP is sitting at $51 mil).
February 19th, 2022 at 12:16 pm
“There would be a mild backlash from the public based on the allegations of Watson’s sexual misconduct.“ I can’t speak for everyone but I will be thoroughly disappointed and repulsed if the Bucs sign a QB who has 22 VICTIMS. I would strongly consider not watching them and I’ve been watching since the 70s.
February 19th, 2022 at 12:35 pm
No
February 19th, 2022 at 12:38 pm
Tampabaybucfan, as someone who lives in Charlotte proper, I couldn’t disagree more. I’ve heard the opposite take from any kitten fan I’ve spoken too. There is a huge Clemson alumni presence here too, and the kitten fanbase is desperate to be relevant again. Tepper isn’t spending 1 billion dollars on a new practice facility nor lobbying for a new stadium to tolerate garbage forever on the field.
Now as others note, their cap situation is fair but not great for taking on his contract, and the tradeoff of draft picks while Watson’s legal troubles remain unresolved is still too steep. But the idea that Carolina fans don’t want him, doesn’t jive with the buzz in buzz city.
Perhaps bc of the cap situation, they may ultimately go for the best QB available in the draft. There is also strong desire for Kenny Pickett too, who dazzled the locals with his fake slide here a couple months ago.
February 19th, 2022 at 12:39 pm
I’d rather watch the Bucs lose to the Watson-led Panthers than watch Watson lead the Bucs to wins over them. Too many accusers.
February 19th, 2022 at 12:50 pm
Leighroy
While you may be correct about Clemson & a large portion of Carolina fans….there is still a very large portion that will oppose Watson….that exists everywhere but more in Charlotte than places like Miami, Tampa, Las Vegas, LA etc.
If I’m Carolina (rebuilding mode) I trade my #6 pick in 22 for huge draft capital in 23…..take my franchise QB and his rookie salary……or use the 6th pick on the best WR in 22…..and still pick QB in 23….they will have a high draft pick.
I certainly don’t want to see Watson in New Orleans or Charlotte…
February 19th, 2022 at 1:02 pm
If this dude is cleared he’s worth three number one picks, Devin White, and Shaq. I feel like there is just too much going on for him to be completely exonerated, but I’ll need to see him proven guilty before I judge him. If he did the things that he’s accused of then I want nothing to do with him.
February 19th, 2022 at 1:20 pm
Watson is going to hell. So is anyone that wants him! We need good Christian morals, it’s the NFL, a temple of piety.
Tim Tebow for Bucs QB. We may nor win a game but by golly we’ll have a righteous person who loves Jesus and Jesus loves back.
February 19th, 2022 at 1:32 pm
Alan, he demanded a trade, and refused to play for Houston. This was before the public became aware of the allegations. The owner of the Texans is a cream faced loon. He famously gave incredible power to Jack Easterbee, a glorified team chaplain. On top of that, as a matter of revenge, it’s widely accepted that the Texans were the ones that dropped the dime on Watson. A classic cut your nose of to spite your face move.
February 19th, 2022 at 1:48 pm
Bqen green-
1)Who is going to mortgage their future for a player with all kinds of potential legal problems?
2) If he is cleared of legal problems, do you think the Texans are just going to kiss Watson’s ass and trade him for next to nothing?
Texans are going to demand alot either way- not worth the risk.
February 19th, 2022 at 2:20 pm
Hey don’t doubt Bqueen, he has sources that will knock the planet off its axis! One of them assures us the earth is flat, which is almost as believable as rhe red pen thing.
February 19th, 2022 at 2:24 pm
TBBF … Just watched a podcast focused on Watson that made quite a bit of sense in terms of cost to sign the guy. Texans apparently wanted THREE 1st Rnd picks and TWO 2nd Rnd picks for Watson. PLUS the winner (?) gets to pay his salary (Watson’s CAP hit is $40 mil for 2022 & $42.5 mil for 2023).
What got interesting in the case of the Bucs is that we’d still be paying Brady in those 2 years also (at least $8 mil in 2022 & $24 mil in 2023). So if you evaluate OUR CAP HITS for 2022 & 2023 for the QB position (excluding backups), it’d turn out to be $48 mil in 2022 & $66.5 mil in 2023. Tack on the value of 3 Rnd 1 picks & 2 Rnd 2 picks and the Bucs would literally be committing suicide just to have him for 2 years (no guarantee of anything beyond 2023).
I can’t believe that any rational Bucs’ fan would even consider such a deal. Just losing those 5 picks would set us back years in terms of TEAM-building. Personally I’m hoping that Carolina does sign him at that cost.
February 19th, 2022 at 2:32 pm
Alan, nobody is trading for him with the legal stuff still in play. This is all assuming he settles the cases, and is in no criminal legal jeopardy. From Ben’s understand, only two of the women haven’t agreed to settle. Those two cases are the only ones even being looked at in a criminal manner. It’s incredibly hard to prove a she said he said. Does Ben think Watson did these things? Probably. Still, someone will give the Texans a haul for him. Young, Uber talented QBs don’t come available often. If Mike Vick can get another job after essentially torturing animals, Watson surely will. Now the league can handle this two ways. One, throw the book at him with a ten-twelve game suspension. Two, they could take into account the games he’s already missed because of this, and give him four-six games. Again Alan this is all assuming the civil cases are settled, and he’s not facing criminal charges.
February 19th, 2022 at 2:35 pm
Why go for only one when we can get two: Dassault Watson and Jamoist Winston!
February 19th, 2022 at 2:48 pm
Defense Rules, nobody is giving up three #1s and two #2s. That’s just what the Texans are, or were asking. They have a practical GM, who was groomed under Bill belichick. The actual compensation will most likely be significantly less. That being said, this is a copycat leauge. The Rams don’t place as much value on picks as the rest of the league. Teams are learning that the draft is mostly a crap shoot, with obvious exceptions. Someone may pay that exorbitant price, but Ben thinks it’ll be more like 2 #1, 2#2, and a third, probably not all in the same draft class either.
February 19th, 2022 at 2:56 pm
I know I am crazy but Id almost rather have Watson than Brady this year. Before Yall kill me, If Tom came back he would be back for what 1 maybe 2 years. Watson is a generational talent and could be our qb for 10+ years. Idk, love Florida Tom, but we could guarantee to be relevant for the next 7-10 years with Watson.
February 19th, 2022 at 2:58 pm
I say trade the picks and Trask and go get the guy. He ,ay be suspended for 6 games this year. Let gabbert play until watson is back.
February 19th, 2022 at 2:58 pm
Does anyone really believe in the no, risk it, no biscuit scheme next year with any QB coming from the outside? I
February 19th, 2022 at 3:23 pm
Yes.
February 19th, 2022 at 3:33 pm
What I wonder is what the Bucs would have to give up to get him. I’m basically OK with anything as having a franchise QB for the next 15-years is sort of a big deal, not that the idiots out there that think you win with Trask at QB and by saving cap space would understand that.
But you’re talking, of course, multiple #1 picks, likely 3 of them, although maybe only 2 and then multiple 2nds, but in order to get ahead of the Panthers or Eagles or whoever else wants him, you’re going to have to give up a top player, likely either White or Vea. Wirfs would be off limits since you need him blocking, and I don’t think Winfield, as a safety, has the same value as a top LB or DT.
The other issue, obviously, is how it works with legal issues. What I don’t understand is why there hasn’t been any criminal charges, seems like a real sleazeball job by the courts there in Houston – either charge the guy, or don’t, but there’s no reason they shouldn’t have acted by now if they actually had any evidence. But so far the only evidence you have is an ambulance chaser lawyer who tried to blackmail Watson for millions, saying if he didn’t get his money, he’d go public with the fact that Watson solicited a ‘massage’ girl who he found on Instagram. Also, feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t see keep coming back time and time again, even as she was being ‘assaulted’? Then the lawyer puts out a call to recruit other ‘victims’, zero of whom ever went to the police to report their ‘assault’, but will sign onto a document that promises a six, or perhaps seven, figure payday. The entire thing sounds like a hustle to me and I’m always shocked by people who fall for this stuff. If there’s no criminal charges, if the women didn’t report anything, if the situation was so serious that the original woman just wanted a pay day to go away, that just screams scam.
February 19th, 2022 at 3:41 pm
agree rod^^ i did hear that he has 10 potential criminal counts..lol Apparently he is going to be deposed this Thursday? I dont trust any of these so called massage therapists on only fans… These girls know what they are doing or they would be advertising on a legit forum as Licensed professionals. I feel like watson was trying to get a little freaky with these girls who probably do the same. Havent we all been to strip club? I guess well what happens over the next month or so. Id love to have him on our team!! Go buccaneer choir boys!!!
February 19th, 2022 at 4:08 pm
Mr Munch … ‘I’m basically OK with anything as having a franchise QB for the next 15-years is sort of a big deal, not that the idiots out there that think you win with Trask at QB and by saving cap space would understand that.’
Sorry Mr Munch, but the REAL IDIOT is you for believing that Deshaun Watson would be your franchise QB for the next 15 years. Got a hunch that’s what the Texans thought when they drafted him. How’d that turn out? Anyone who wins the Watson-sweepstakes now gets him for 2 years, that’s all his remaining contract calls for. And 1 of those years MAY find him being suspended by the NFL.
And as far as Kyle Trask goes, you have ZERO idea how he’d perform as our QB, so please stop pretending that you know more than any other fan in JBF land. A lot of how ANY QB does in any given year depends on numerous factors outside his control, such as coaching, the OLine he’s protected by, the weapons at his disposal, the level of the competition, injuries … the list goes on. All any JBFer supporting Kyle Trask (excluding you of course) has ever suggested is that Trask be given a fair opportunity to compete for the position.
And as an aside, TEAM-BUILDING is kind of a big thing when it comes to winning in today’s NFL. Obviously from some of your comments that notion eludes you. Thankfully it didn’t elude Tom Brady.
February 19th, 2022 at 4:27 pm
I read on line that five of the women went to the police. I don’t know if it’s true or not, and I really don’t care. Too many draft picks, a contract we can’t possibly afford, and a guy who will never have the respect and acceptance of the community. Build a team around Trask and the corps of great players that we already have. We should still win the division, even without Brady.
February 19th, 2022 at 4:35 pm
I think we should trade offer Gabbert to the Texans plus 2 discount coupons for V.I.P. access to Tampa Bay “massage” parlors for Deshaun Watson. The coupons could also be part of his “benefits” package. We can also get him a clean, fresh towel from Bed, Bath and Beyond that he can drop “accidently” as the “play” calls for in the future. Rots of Ruck with DW.
February 19th, 2022 at 4:53 pm
Ill pass if he was that good teams would of found a way to get him already.. maybe we can convince andrew luck to come back..
February 19th, 2022 at 5:38 pm
If you really think all 22 women are full of spit, you probably aren’t very smart. I have no idea regarding the criminal implications here. I don’t practice law in Texas, but I’m sure they have something similar to what we have in Florida called Williams Rule evidence. Essentially, if Mr. Watson uses the same modus operandi with all these women in terms of what happens, then all those similar acts will come into evidence. That ain’t good.
Why would anyone give up 3 1st rounders for this dirtbag? We couldn’t afford him if he didn’t have all this hanging over his head.
February 19th, 2022 at 5:48 pm
@Buczilla. You sir, have Completely lost your mind if you think a QB with 22 civil cases(maybe more) who is going to probably miss at least 6 games is worth 3 no. 1s and White and Shaq! Thank GOD that you have no say so with the team.
February 19th, 2022 at 5:51 pm
DR laying it down again I see.
February 19th, 2022 at 6:11 pm
Drew Brees might be worth making a play for. He probably misses football and may want his records back 😂. He’s healthy and healed up. Flash the Cash!!!!
February 19th, 2022 at 6:50 pm
Is the Fancy Man in a timeout?
😃
February 19th, 2022 at 7:02 pm
Bucs gave up half if what Houston wants for Watson when they traded for Gruden, with no cap consideration.
And it cost the team dearly for years.
So twice as much?
Please, no. Not at that price!
February 19th, 2022 at 7:17 pm
Watson wouldn’t think of going to Carolina with that incompetent coach they have in place. He likes to rotate their qbs as if they were running backs.
February 19th, 2022 at 7:18 pm
They hire Watson and I will root for the Fish. NO !!!
February 19th, 2022 at 7:39 pm
I give everyone a 2nd chance, but 22 !
February 19th, 2022 at 7:43 pm
If he gets passed the legal troubles I would imagine they rework his contract extend for cap reasons
February 19th, 2022 at 8:13 pm
Anyone who supports Watson is no one I want to know. I have been a buc fan since the 70’s and if they go after him I’m done with the bucs. The backlash to the glazers will be terrible. I don’t care about people saying winning and you will disregard all his past discrepancies.
February 19th, 2022 at 8:22 pm
@SB. If you take the things that I said out of context like you just did, then it would look like I was crazy. I’ll post what I said again in case you care to read the whole thing because I’m pretty cool like that. Here’s a hint, the last sentence is key. Peace, lol.
Buczilla Says:
February 19th, 2022 at 1:02 pm
If this dude is cleared he’s worth three number one picks, Devin White, and Shaq. I feel like there is just too much going on for him to be completely exonerated, but I’ll need to see him proven guilty before I judge him. If he did the things that he’s accused of then I want nothing to do with him.
February 19th, 2022 at 8:49 pm
Stop. It sucks to root for a creepy quarterback
February 19th, 2022 at 9:07 pm
@Buczilla.
It doesn’t matter what he did. Even Tom Brady isn’t worth 3 no.1s and white and shaq.
Just stupid narrative.
February 19th, 2022 at 9:08 pm
And I mean STUPID!
February 19th, 2022 at 9:09 pm
You gonna give up the future AND 35% of the defense to land him???
Dumb de de de de de dumb!
February 19th, 2022 at 9:46 pm
Bravo to Defense Rules👏….. Well said!!! Clearly the concept of team is lost on Mr Munch. A complete sell off of 5 top draft picks, large chunk of cap space, and possibly a top player to get 1 player with a very sketchy history would be the definition of an idiot move. I’m not saying Trask is a sure thing but the far more responsible move is to continue to develop Trask as our possible future while playing Gabbert as a bridge QB for a year. This allows us to use all of our cap space and draft picks to build a quality team around him. If your looking for a potential 10 – 15 year guy for your team the odds are small but much more likely Trask is that player than Watson is. I say this because there is no way Watson stays content here beyond his current contract.
February 19th, 2022 at 9:46 pm
@SB ROFL, What are you 12? I truly feel sorry for your parents to have raised a child that shows such disrespect to total strangers. Just cause I’m bored and find you humorous despite your poor manners I’ll lay out a scenario.
Watson is a top five superstar quarterback all day long so off the top of my head I’ll use Steve Young in his prime as a comp for him. Devin White is not as good as Hardy Nickerson was in his prime, but Nickerson will do. Shaq Barrett at nearly thirty years old is not as good as Simeon Rice was at that age, but again it’s a decent comp so I’ll go with him. Draft picks are a crap shoot and if you are the Buccaneer’s shot caller you are thinking that at best these number one picks are going to be at the tail end of the first round if you’re getting Watson.
So you are looking at trading Nickerson, Rice, and three very low number one picks for Steve Young. I don’t think that there is a single gm in the league today that wouldn’t make that trade in a heartbeat and every gm that has passed on to the next life (may they rest in peace) would be clawing their way out of their graves to make it too.
Calling people names on a sports blog (best one ever) ain’t my thing, but if your parents ever you bring you to one of the JBF events around town, look me up and I’ll recommend that they wash your mouth out with soap. Later.
February 19th, 2022 at 10:42 pm
So 3 first round picks, Devin White, Shaq Barrett, PLUS 156 MILLION DOLLARS carved from our cap space for Watson? I strongly but respectfully disagree.
February 20th, 2022 at 5:16 am
Maybe Kellen Winslow is available as well
February 20th, 2022 at 7:12 am
@BUCman My argument is based solely on player value in a trade and under the assumption that Watson would be completely exonerated. Contracts can be re-negotiated and I wouldn’t want him anyway if he were guilty.
When Washington traded for Robert Griffin they gave three number ones and a second round pick to the Rams for the second overall pick. Griffin had yet to take a snap in the NFL and it ended up as one of the worst trades ever, but a precedent for trading three first round picks and more was set. Watson is a surefire superstar and not someone like Griffin who had yet to take a snap in the NFL.
As far as Shaq goes, he’s a good player, but he’s almost thirty and realistically has three to four good years left in him. I love Devin White, but aside from his dominance during our super bowl run he has not lived up to his draft status.
The Rams just gave up two number ones and a third for old man Stafford, but Watson isn’t worth three number ones, a good pass rusher, and a good, but disappointing middle linebacker? Thanks for keeping it civil, but I can’t see any gm not jumping out of their skin to make that trade.
February 20th, 2022 at 1:51 pm
^^ buczilla you make valid points. I have to agree, for the 5th overall pick, devin white is no ray lewis…you shi… his pants this year without lavonte. id trade the house for watson.. when this kid is slinging it and winning games, the haters will be quiet and fly their flags.