5 biggest fears surrounding the Carolina Panthers in 2022

Will the Carolina Panthers trade for Baker Mayfield pay off?

Despite striking out on Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Darnold during the Matt Rhule era, it did not stop the Carolina Panthers from delving into the quarterback trade market once again. After lengthy negotiations with the Cleveland Browns, a deal was struck for Baker Mayfield that cost nothing more than a Day 3 draft pick and $5 million guaranteed.

Mayfield is a polarizing figure with a lot to prove next season. He must bounce back from a disappointing 2021 season and also remove the stigma surrounding his reported immature attitude behind the scenes.

The early reports are encouraging. Mayfield has embraced the move, appears determined to make the most out of another starting opportunity, and has also participated in a pre-training camp workout to develop chemistry with his primary pass-catchers.

There is a lot of information for Mayfield to take on between now and when he squares off against his former team in Week 1. Carolina is keen for a proper quarterback competition with Matt Corral also in the mix, but it would be a major shock if the Oklahoma product wasn’t under center when push came to shove.

Whether it comes off or not is debatable. But few would deny Mayfield doesn’t provide the Panthers with a better chance of being competitive.