4 major positives from Carolina Panthers trade for Baker Mayfield
By Luke Gray
Carolina Panthers QB Matt Corral can continue to develop
What does this trade mean for Carolina Panthers rookie Matt Corral?
The Ole Miss product was taken in the third round in 2022, giving many fans hope they may have finally found a long-term answer at the quarterback position.
However, despite the excitement, it’s been made clear Corral is a project for this coaching staff, with Matt Rhule cautious to bet his job on the No. 94 overall selection. But trading for Baker Mayfield might help him more than most.
In all likelihood, if Sam Darnold began the season as the incumbent starter he would have more than likely struggled, meaning the clamor for Corral to start possibly earlier than he was ready to would be deafening.
This could leave Carolina in another Will Grier situation and look at how the former third-round pick’s career has gone since his two starts as a rookie.
With Mayfield now more than likely the starter, this means the Panthers will at least have some above-average quarterback play this season. Unless the former Oklahoma standout is injured there will be no reason to throw Corral in at the deep end, giving him the opportunity to properly adjust to NFL life.
Treating the 2022 season as almost a redshirt year for Corral gives him the best opportunity to be ready to take over the reins as the long-term franchise quarterback if his development goes as expected.