4 major positives from Carolina Panthers trade for Baker Mayfield
By Luke Gray
What are some major positives to emerge from the Carolina Panthers finally making a trade for quarterback Baker Mayfield?
The story that has been circulating since before the 2022 NFL Draft was finally brought to a close on Wednesday when the Carolina Panthers finally made the trade for Cleveland Browns castaway quarterback Baker Mayfield.
The Panthers gave up a conditional fifth-round pick in 2024 and are on the hook for only $5 million of the former Heisman Trophy winner’s salary after Mayfield agreed to turn $3.5 million guaranteed into incentives, leaving the Browns to pay the remaining $10 million.
This move gives Carolina an immediate upgrade.
Previous starter Sam Darnold has proved time after time during his four seasons in the league that he is simply not up to standard. Mayfield has at least shown during his time in the NFL that he has the ability to be productive when healthy.
Just two seasons ago, Mayfield was arguably a top-10 quarterback as he led the Browns to their first playoff appearance in 18 years and a first postseason win since the 1994 campaign.
Despite the media reporting that the Panthers will hold a camp battle, it’s clear from this move and many other attempts throughout the offseason that Carolina’s staff has little confidence in the USC product. And with jobs on the line, this is Mayfield’s job to lose.
Without further ado, here are four major positives that could emerge from the Panthers landing Mayfield.