Panthers used Cam Newton in fortunately-failed effort to recruit Deshaun Watson

The Panthers really wanted to swing a deal for Deshaun Watson.

Nov 22, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (left) and Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (right) talk on the field before the game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

31 NFL teams avoided the major bullet that ended up being Deshaun Watson, including the Carolina Panthers. When the star quarterback became available, so many teams wanted to try and get him on their roster, including the Panthers, who really needed a QB after Cam Newton's release.

They were very much involved with pursuing Watson, who ended up going to the Cleveland Browns, fortunately. Not only are there off-field issues, but he's been a disaster on the field. But the Panthers didn't miss out for lack of trying.

How the Panthers desperately went after Deshaun Watson

Jan 9, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA;Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images | Kim Klement-Imagn Images

It's no secret that the Carolina Panthers wanted Deshaun Watson in 2022. This was two years after they'd parted ways with Cam Newton. At this point they were so desperate they tried to get Newton back on board to help recruit.

Joe Person of The Athletic says five team and league sources spoke with the outlet about the Panthers' involvement, detailing everything about the failed pursuit.

"They described a vetting process of Watson that included a conversation between Tepper and Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, an effort to bring Cam Newton back to entice Watson to choose the Panthers and concern and uneasiness among some women in the organization due to the allegations," Person revealed.

It's unclear but highly unlikely that Newton would've had anything to do with the Panthers' attempts to find a new star quarterback at that time. Ultimately, what drove the Panthers out of the running was the money.

A former team executive said they balked at the guaranteed money portion of Watson's contract, something the Browns did not and are still paying a heavy price for.

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