4 teams who could beat the Panthers to Baker Mayfield if released
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could lose Baker Mayfield to the Giants
The New York Giants have gone out of their way to assist quarterback Daniel Jones ahead of a crucial fourth season for the quarterback. Head coach Brian Daboll has been firmly committed to the former Duke standout and highlighted how little the previous regime aided his cause, but there is no guarantee this is going to come with an upturn in performance based on previous evidence.
Jones will likely be done in New York with another poor season. The 2023 draft class is expected to be phenomenal and if Baker Mayfield was allowed to test the free-agent market, it could lead the Giants into a change of course as a result.
Bringing in Mayfield would give Daboll a true quarterback competition to assess. At the very worst, the Heisman Trophy winner could be a primary backup and slot right in if Jones fluffs his lines, which is a real possibility despite an improved offensive line and the return of running back Saquon Barkley.
Again, the Carolina Panthers could virtually guarantee Mayfield a starting job immediately. But if the Giants also threw their hat in the ring, it would provide the signal-caller with a big market to play in for the first time and there is no doubt he would fancy his chances of unseating Jones from the No. 1 spot.
This would be a big surprise. But if Mayfield was released, then it is likely to open up his options considerably.