3 acceptable trades for the Carolina Panthers to acquire Baker Mayfield

Carolina Panthers trade scenario No. 2

There is another option that the Carolina Panthers could potentially accomodate if speculation surrounding a trade for Baker Mayfield turns into something more. The Cleveland Browns could do with some salary-cap relief and will not want an $18.85 million dead-cap figure by releasing the player, so finding a trade partner that could take on his salary would be highly advantaegous for their chances in 2022.

This is where the Panthers come in. They are paying Sam Darnold the same amount after the team triggered his fifth-year option without the player participating in one practice, so acquiring another top-five selection from the same draft class might not be in their train of thought.

However, one cannot understate the importance of winning now for the Panthers next season. After three-straight five-win seasons there is absolutely no margin for error, which could lead the organization to a feast or famine player that could instantly make a better impression than Darnold.

Perhaps taking on 75 percent of Mayfield’s contract at $14.13 million and get a third-round draft pick in return could be beneficial. It would also give the Browns some extra breathing space to put the right pieces around Deshaun Watson for their expected playoff push.

Whether it works out or not is the big question. But if it doesn’t, then it won’t have cost Carolina anything and they could jyst get rid of Mayfield and Darnold at the same time next year.