5 crucial observations from the Carolina Panthers landing Baker Mayfield
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers saw no future with Sam Darnold
Despite the positive reports emerging from early offseason workouts regarding Sam Darnold, it’s been evident throughout the spring that the Carolina Panthers were going to do whatever it takes to find an upgrade under center. Once the financial terms were agreed with the Cleveland Browns, the primary decision-makers did not hesitate to get Baker Mayfield on board.
The Panthers sacrificed three draft picks to secure Darnold from the New York Jets. This came with no upturn in production from the former USC standout and Carolina now has a real problem on their hands regarding what to do with someone who is fully guaranteed $18.85 million next season.
Darnold probably feels aggrieved. There was no stable offensive line to work behind and the signal-caller rarely had Christian McCaffrey alongside him in the backfield to further decrease his chances of thriving.
Again, this has a lot to do with the amount at stake for Matt Rhule next season. Any further failings would likely come with a shift in direction from team owner David Tepper and betting his job on Darnold was never really an option.
Just what the future hold for Darnold is unclear. But whatever comes next for the player, it won’t be in Carolina after their decision to secure the services of Mayfield.