Report: Panthers expected to be involved in Watson trade talks

The Carolina Panthers are expected to be involved in trade talks for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, reports The Athletic's Joe Person.

The report comes just days after Panthers head coach Matt Rhule dismissed the idea that Carolina was interested in acquiring Watson. Rhule added that he believes Sam Darnold will be a great player for his team.

However, Carolina benched Darnold in the fourth quarter of Sunday's defeat to the New York Giants. The Panthers are currently on a four-game losing streak.

The Miami Dolphins are reportedly considered front-runners for Watson. They're heavily engaged in trade talks for the signal-caller, according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.

It was reported in August that Watson would waive his no-trade clause for Miami and Carolina.

Watson, who's been a healthy scratch for the first seven weeks of the season amid police and NFL investigations, is facing lawsuits from 22 women who say he sexually assaulted them or committed sexual misconduct during massage sessions. Ten women filed criminal complaints against Watson.

The trade deadline is Nov. 2.