Panthers 7-round 2022 NFL mock draft: Dealing with devils

Carolina Panthers trade for Baker Mayfield

One of the biggest needs for the Carolina Panthers is finding an upgrade on Sam Darnold. Offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo might have claimed the former first-round pick is their starter, but that means absolutely nothing and might not even be the case once the 2022 NFL Draft comes to a conclusion.

This year’s quarterback class has come in for some significant criticism. Many believe that no prospect entering the league this year is ready to become productive straight away and this only complicates things for the Panthers, who have a big-time urgency to win next season.

There is a chance Carolina goes back into the trade market. Baker Mayfield and Jimmy Garoppolo are the likeliest candidates and in this situation, a deal is struck for the former Heisman Trophy winner out of Oklahoma to replace Darnold under center.

Mayfield’s time with the Cleveland Browns is drawing to a close after the team traded for Deshaun Watson. With potential suitors dwindling and questions about the player’s ability to lead, the Panthers could get him for a bargain price and even get his current employers to take on part of his fully guaranteed $18.85 million.

Some fans might not like it. But this arguably represents the best way for Carolina to get this steering in the right direction.

If Mayfield fails to deliver then the team can remove him and Darnold from the equation in 2023 and take a quarterback from what is set to be an exceptional class next year.