Panthers must not enter Baker Mayfield bidding war with Seahawks

The Carolina Panthers could have competition for Baker Mayfield, but they should not get tempted into a bidding war for the quarterback.

Despite a report stating that there was a sense of urgency for the Carolina Panthers to get a deal done with the Cleveland Browns for Baker Mayfield, nothing has materialized as yet. Those in power within the organization are still contemplating whether or not it’s the right thing to do and there are also some financial implications to consider before a deal comes off.

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Browns are willing to pay around half of Mayfield’s fully guaranteed $18.85 million in 2022. However, the Panthers are looking for them to take on more before any trade is officially confirmed.

There are still a few weeks remaining until training camp and in an ideal world, the Panthers will have Mayfield or someone else in before they descend on Spartanburg. But they might also have some additional competition for the Oklahoma product that could scupper their plans.

Carolina Panthers cannot get into a bidding war for Baker Mayfield

Josina Anderson of CBS Sports revealed that the Seattle Seahawks now have a legitimate interest in Mayfield, per sources. She added that Pete Carroll could also be open to giving the signal-caller a contract extension soon after he gets into the building.

"“I’m told the Seahawks still have a high level of interest in acquiring QB Baker Mayfield and behind the scenes are open to contractually extending him, per league source. I also know that the process of collecting information and insights into Mayfield is still ongoing.”"

While Anderson is one of the most respected insiders in the business, it’s hard to gauge what to make of this particular piece of news. This is a game of chess between all parties involved, with smokescreens aplenty coming to light to ensure one side blinks before the other.

Seattle traded away Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos this offseason and their current options under center are Geno Smith and Drew Lock. Not exactly the best duo if Carroll wants to make a better go of things in 2022.

A move for Mayfield makes sense from their perspective. One that could give the Seahawks a better chance of progressing in a difficult NFC West division that now consists of the reigning Super Bowl champions.

The Panthers will be monitoring this situation closely. Moving forward with Sam Darnold as the team’s starter is a major gamble and unless Matt Corral adjusts far better than anticipated, it would be shocking to see nobody else come through the door.

If all else fails, then Jimmy Garoppolo is another name to consider. A proven winner that looks perfect for new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s scheme.

This will be something to keep an eye on over the next few weeks. It’s not an ideal situation for Mayfield, but it’s clear his time in Cleveland is over despite Deshaun Watson being set for a lengthy suspension after settling 20 of his 24 civil suits relating to sexual misconduct.

Getting into a bidding war for Mayfield would not be wise. Carolina’s given up too much money and draft picks during a series of rash moves at quarterback since Matt Rhule arrived to consider another all-in pursuit for someone that might not move the needle that much.

This ongoing saga is becoming tiresome. But in all honesty, it’s a problem the Panthers have brought on themselves.