5 post-June 1 cut candidates the Carolina Panthers should monitor in 2022

Carolina Panthers should monitor Baker Mayfield

This is the game of chicken that the Carolina Panthers and others around the league are monitoring with great interest.

Baker Mayfield is surplus to requirements with the Cleveland Browns following their successful pursuit of quarterback Deshaun Watson. Even if the former Clemson star is suspended by the NFL due to 23 civil suits relating to sexual misconduct, the signal-caller is unlikely to ever feature for the franchise again given the presence of Tyrod Taylor.

Trade talks between the Panthers and Browns have taken place with no formal outcome. This is largely down to how much money Carolina wants Cleveland to take on as part of the deal.

There is also reportedly no consensus within the Panthers about whether or not this is the best thing to do. But if Mayfield reaches a financial compromise with the Browns and is released, then it might shift the course slightly.

The only problem is that they are unlikely to be alone in pursuing Mayfield if he did hit the open market. His production in 2020 was tremendous and although there are some concerns about his leadership, cutting the player turns him into a low-risk, high-reward possibility.

Realistically speaking, if the Panthers want Mayfield they should offer a trade package to guarantee his services. Something the organization did last season when Stephon Gilmore joined from the New England Patriots.