3 acceptable trades for the Carolina Panthers to acquire Baker Mayfield

Carolina Panthers trade scenario No. 3

This might be the most unlikely out of the three. But it could potentially solve two problems in one go where the Carolina Panthers are concerned and should be discussed if any further calls take place with the Cleveland Browns regarding Baker Mayfield.

Sam Darnold is out in the cold after failing to meet expectations. His trade from the New York Jets will go down as one of the worst in franchise history and there appears little chance of another team taking his fully guaranteed $18.85 million on board as a result.

The Browns find themselves in the same boat with Mayfield. So a straight swap between the two gives Carolina a starter in 2022 and allows Cleveland to have a backup to Jacoby Brissett if Deshaun Watson does get a lengthy suspension from the league due to 22 sexual misconduct allegations.

One might suggest this doesn’t make a lot of financial sense. But it’s worth remmebering that Watson’s contract comes with just $1 million in base salary next season, which has been done to prevent the signal-caller from losing out if he’s forced to miss time.

Darnold’s days in Carolina are numbered one way or another. This move could also allow the Panthers to take someone like Kenny Pickett or Malik Willis should Mayfield fall flat on his face in a different environment.