4 potential destinations for Panthers QB Baker Mayfield in 2023
By Dean Jones
Baker Mayfield could join the Commanders
Trading for Carson Wentz was a gamble that’s not exactly paid off for the Washington Commanders. The former No. 1 overall selection is currently on injured/reserve and looked primed to be benched even before that, so with no guaranteed money remaining on his deal it looks like his time in the nation’s capital might be extremely brief.
The Carolina Panthers know plenty about failed moves at the quarterback position. But with Matt Rhule no longer assuming control of personnel moves, there is renewed hope that general manager Scott Fitterer can find the right guy working in cohesion with whoever is appointed head coach.
Baker Mayfield might not be part of these plans based on what’s transpired in 2022. Although the Commanders have Sam Howell waiting in the wings, if they decided to let go of Wentz and Taylor Heinicke, then another signal-caller will be needed.
Whether that comes in free agency or the draft is the big question. The Commanders are currently picking at No. 16 overall before the main Week 10 slate of games, which means that if they go down the college route it might take a while for their pick to acclimatize before taking charge under center.
If Howell also fails to convince, which is entirely possible despite a strong preseason, then Mayfield could be a short-term solution as a backup or from a surprise starting role. Something Ron Rivera might be betting his job on unless improvements aren’t made.