5 shock departures the Panthers could trade before 2022 deadline

Baker Mayfield – Carolina Panthers QB

Baker Mayfield‘s short time with the Carolina Panthers has been a complete disaster so far. His high-profile trade was managed poorly initially, with Matt Rhule deciding on a quarterback competition rather than giving their marquee arrival a chance to hone chemistry with his primary playmakers throughout camp to his and the team’s cost.

The scheme deployed by offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo hasn’t helped. But Mayfield would be the first to tell you his own performance levels haven’t been up to the required standard and it no doubt hurt the former No. 1 overall selection to hold a clipboard as the backup to P.J. Walker in Week 8 at the Atlanta Falcons.

What the future holds for Mayfield is undecided. He shrugged off trade talk during media availability this week, but the quarterback room does look crowded thanks to Walker seizing his opportunity under center.

Much like the situation with Sam Darnold, there might not be a market for Mayfield even if the Panthers wanted to move him after such a brief period. His options were extremely limited after the Cleveland Browns secured the services of Deshaun Watson and given how poorly he’s performed since that’s likely to remain the case.

It’s going to be a long road back for Mayfield, there’s no getting away from that. And unless a miracle happens in the meantime, his stint with the Panthers will be nothing more than a short-term arrangement.