What are the reasons behind the Carolina Panthers currently stalling on a potential trade for Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield?
Going into the 2022 season with Sam Darnold and Matt Corral as the Carolina Panthers’ quarterback options is a massive gamble by the organization. One that would leave little hopes of any progress despite some significant improvements elsewhere on the roster.
Darnold has already proven incapable of becoming a productive starter over his first four years in the league. The Panthers have high hopes for Corral, but expecting the third-round selection to come in and instantly be a game-changer is too much pressure and really unfair.
That’s why speculation regarding a move for Baker Mayfield has not gone away. Carolina also has the salary-cap space to make this happen if they get a good deal.
Talks heated up between the Panthers and Cleveland Browns during the draft before they moved up to take Corral at No. 94 overall. Reports are encouraging surrounding Darnold’s approach during the early stages of OTAs, but this is something that fans have heard before and they are right to remain skeptical.
Mayfield and the Browns will part ways at some point. It doesn’t appear likely that Cleveland will release the signal-caller, but things will come to a breaking point soon after the team acquired Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans.
Although the move makes a ton of sense for all parties, what are the reasons behind things stalling regarding Carolina’s pursuit of Mayfield right now?