4 desperate moves the Panthers might make after Deshaun Watson decision

Carolina Panthers could trade for Baker Mayfield

Now that the Carolina Panthers won’t have Deshaun Watson moving forward, those in power could now turn their attention to another veteran quarterback that might be available in the trade market. This is another major gamble that could go either way given the options available, so giving up yet more draft capital for a band-aid fix would not exactly go down well.

One player that is searching for a fresh start is Baker Mayfield. The Cleveland Browns entered the Watson sweepstakes without doing enough to convince the signal-caller, leaving the Oklahoma product handing in a trade request that was subsequently rejected by the organization.

It’s hard to come back from something like this. Especially as Mayfield is more emotional than most operating at the position across the league.

Mayfield does have proven production and a playoff win. But when he’s asked to take over a game, the No. 1 overall selection in 2018 hasn’t been able to reach this required standard as yet.

There is little doubt Mayfield represents an upgrade on Sam Darnold. But with no Day 2 draft selection right now, it might be difficult to convince the Browns to accept whatever offer they might put together.

It’s unlikely that the relationship between Mayfield and the Browns can be salvaged. However, there are plenty of quarterback-needy teams who could represent better options than the Panthers.