What are the remaining weaknesses of the Carolina Panthers in 2022 after their decision to acquire quarterback Baker Mayfield from the Cleveland Browns?
After an encouraging offseason regarding recruitment, the Carolina Panthers also solved the biggest cloud hanging over the franchise last week. Baker Mayfield joined the ranks after a compromise was reached with the Cleveland Browns, which comes with concerns but might just be the catalyst behind improved fortunes next season.
Mayfield will be hurting after some bad treatment from the team that drafted him. But considering most already figured out their plans under center, this at least gives the Oklahoma product an instant starting chance once again.
The Panthers receive a starting-caliber quarterback and an immediate upgrade on Sam Darnold. All it cost them was a mid-round pick in 2024 and $5 million guaranteed, which is pretty low risk when one considers the potential upside involved.
Without further ado, here are four remaining weaknesses on the Panthers following their trade for Mayfield.
Weakness No. 1
Will Matt Rhule hold the Carolina Panthers back?
Everything is in place for Matt Rhule now that Baker Mayfield has formally arrived.
Simply put, there are no more excuses.
This is the time when we should find out whether or not Rhule will ever be capable of leading the Carolina Panthers back to relevance. Although large sections of the fanbase have already concluded he just isn’t up to the task.
If Rhule cannot get it done this time around with so much talent and coaching assistance to call upon, then it might force David Tepper into drastic action and end this experiment early.