3 reasons the Carolina Panthers could show interest in Baker Mayfield

Could the Carolina Panthers look towards Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield to solve their crisis under center?

The Carolina Panthers quarterback situation heading into 2022 is bleak for a team that is committed to Sam Darnold and stuck in the past with Cam Newton. In an ideal world, the former USC star would have been the player he was the first three weeks of the season and the Auburn product could be occupying a short-yardage role.

But that’s just not the case.

Instead, Darnold has fiercely regressed, looking even worse than he did in his last season with the New York Jets. Despite being under contract with the Panthers next season, the signal-caller isn’t going to be a viable long-term option under center, and neither is Newton.

Newton is beloved in the city and for what he did for the Panthers. He will always have a home among the Carolina faithful but his ability at the quarterback position has devolved.

He is no longer a starting-caliber player and will only be an option for the Panthers in a utility role if they keep him around.

Drafting a quarterback to develop would be ideal but in a middling class, Carolina may lean towards a trade or free-agent signing to attempt to address the position.  One surprising name that could hit the market is Baker Mayfield.

Coming off of a rough season with the Cleveland Browns, there is reason to wonder if Mayfield could use a change of scenery. The former No. 1 overall selection out of Oklahoma has one year left on his rookie deal and there have been a lot of rumblings that the organization may not believe he is the guy.

With this in mind, here are three reasons Carolina should consider this potential move considering their current options if the Browns were willing to part ways with Mayfield.