A straight swap between Robbie Anderson and Baker Mayfield in a potential trade makes absolutely no sense for the Carolina Panthers.
There are so many smoke and mirrors going around regarding Baker Mayfield’s next destination, that it’s hard to keep up and pretty tiresome, in all honesty. The Carolina Panthers are constantly being linked with the signal-caller despite talks stopping before mandatory minicamp, which could start up again with the team’s training camp taking place in Spartanburg later this month.
The Panthers currently have Sam Darnold and Matt Corral as their legitimate quarterback options. Something that could hold the organization back from progression next season unless the USC product makes miraculous improvements or the third-round selection picks up things quicker than expected.
Carolina also saved a substantial amount of salary-cap space heading into the summer. Money that could be spent on another bold bid for a veteran quarterback before Matt Rhule enters his third season as head coach.
Talks broke down during the draft between the Panthers and Cleveland Browns regarding Mayfield because there was no agreement on how his fully guaranteed $18.85 million would be split. The same amount that Carolina is paying Darnold after triggering his fifth-year option before participating in a single practice.
Cleveland appears willing to bide their time despite a potential suspension looming for Deshaun Watson, their marquee acquisition this offseason that’s left Mayfield out in the cold. But they won’t want the Oklahoma product becoming a distraction throughout camp and when the real action gets underway.
Insider touts the idea of a potential Baker Mayfield swap deal featuring Robbie Anderson
According to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, there is a way the two sides might be able to meet some common ground to get any deal over the line if discussions resume again in the coming weeks.
The respected insider suggested that a straight swap involving Mayfield and wide receiver Robbie Anderson could be a mutually beneficial arrangement. Although this was speculation rather than something with significant substance behind it.
"“The question though remains, does this team need a No. 2 wide receiver above the skillset of Donovan Peoples-Jones? You mentioned the Carolina Panthers, if something happens in the future could someone like a Robby Anderson be a part of that trade? Just something I’m throwing out there.”"
It was an intriguing scenario that would put the great financial debate to one side. However, the Panthers would probably be looking for the Browns to take on a portion of Mayfield’s salary even if Anderson was part of the package.
Anderson was the subject of trade rumors earlier this offseason with the New England Patriots reportedly making an inquiry. Carolina kept faith with the wideout in the hope he can return to his 2020 form, but not having a consistent presence under center would jeopardize this and especially considering the lack of chemistry Darnold generated with his former New York Jets teammate in a different environment.
The Temple product has been keen to voice his opinion about Mayfield’s possible arrival, and not in a good way. But even with this threat to locker room harmony, it’s still a risk the Panthers might take given their need to start generating positive headlines.
This would help the Browns, but it’s a non-starter and makes no sense for Carolina to part ways with their second-best receiver at such a pivotal time.
Hopefully, it won’t be too much longer before this situation is mercifully resolved one way or another. So as always, watch this space.