What are some crucial observations to take from the Carolina Panthers finally getting their hands on quarterback Baker Mayfield?
At long last, the Carolina Panthers have their man.
After a painstaking offseason full of speculation linking Baker Mayfield with a move to Carolina, a deal was finally confirmed with the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday evening. This cost the Panthers a conditional fifth-round selection in 2023 for a quarterback that was taken No. 1 overall just four years ago.
The Panthers will only pay $5 million of Mayfield’s salary, which could rise to $8.5 million if the Oklahoma product meets some incentives. Something those in power within the organization will be hoping for during a critical 2022 campaign for head coach Matt Rhule.
With this in mind, here are five crucial observations from the Panthers finally pulling the trigger on Mayfield.
Crucial Observation No. 1
Baker Mayfield makes the Carolina Panthers better
Much has been made about Baker Mayfield’s disappointing 2021 season. Something that means the stakes could not be higher for the signal-caller on the Carolina Panthers next season.
Mayfield’s shoulder surgery didn’t help matters, obviously. But just how much this impacted performance is the big question that many don’t really know the answer to.
There is no doubt Mayfield makes the Panthers better at a time when they need consistent quarterback play to get them over the hump. How much remains to be seen, but this provides some hope that wasn’t there previously.