4 key observations from Baker Mayfield’s first Panthers presser

Baker Mayfield keen to embrace a fresh start

Had there not been some stubbornness from the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns about the financial split, then it’s highly likely this trade would have occurred before or during the 2022 NFL Draft. As it turned out, Scott Fitterer and others were right to hold their ground, getting Baker Mayfield for what could be a fourth-round pick in 2024 and $5 million guaranteed next season.

Mayfield spoke about the compromises reached between all parties to get this deal over the line. The Panthers convinced Mayfield to convert $3.5 million into incentives after getting permission to speak with the player prior to the trade taking place.

This fresh start is something Mayfield is keen to embrace. And it represents a pretty good spot for him to start immediately with an abundance of talent at the skill positions.

Feeling wanted was also something high on Mayfield’s list of priorities after the way he was discarded by the Browns. Although he remains extremely grateful for his time in Cleveland and a fanbase that embraced him from the moment he stepped onto the field.

"“To me, it’s ready for a fresh start first and foremost. I’m extremely grateful for the four years I had in Cleveland, it’s a great football town. When it came down to it, it was wanting a fresh start, wanting to be with a coach and a GM that truly wanted me, . . . and just wanting the same thing, and that’s to win football games.”"

Whether it works out or not, who knows at this point. But Mayfield has provided hope that the Panthers can finally start turning a corner after so much mediocrity or worse in recent years.

And that’s not a bad thing at all.