CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Carolina Panthers will not pursue Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson with the NFL trade deadline approaching on Tuesday, a league source confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday.
ESPN and multiple media outlets reported earlier this week that the Panthers (3-4) had renewed their interest in potentially pursuing a Watson trade, amid the team's four-game losing streak and the benching of quarterback Sam Darnold in Sunday's loss to the New York Giants. Carolina reportedly explored the possibility of trading for Watson during the offseason.
"You guys know that wasn't from me," coach Matt Rhule said Monday of the report of Carolina's interest.