4 potential destinations for Panthers QB Baker Mayfield in 2023

Baker Mayfield could join the Raiders

Things looked so promising for the Las Vegas Raiders before a snap was played in 2022. Their high-profile acquisition of wide receiver Davante Adams from the Green Bay Packers was supposed to propel Derek Carr to a different stratosphere, but it was evident from early on this was never going to happen and the signal-caller now faces some serious doubts about his ability to become a productive NFL quarterback moving forward.

Carr’s hesitancy and poor decision-making in front of a porous offensive line are holding the Raiders back. Also, one cannot rule out the possibility of head coach Josh McDaniel being fired after just one season if things don’t start trending upward, so landmark changes could be heading to the desert this offseason.

Las Vegas is looking at a high-end draft pick, which could tempt them into the quarterback pool if Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud are available. Releasing Carr next spring also represents a cap saving of just over $29 million, which could be better spent elsewhere given this organization’s current plight.

Finding a backup capable of helping a college prospect transition to the pros could lead the Raiders to Baker Mayfield in this scenario. For all his faults on the field, the Heisman Trophy winner’s mature attitude and willingness to do whatever it takes to help the Carolina Panthers even from the bench have deservedly been commended.

Whatever comes next for Mayfield, it could be his final chance. So picking the right fit is key and Las Vegas’ instability might make a few veterans look the other way depending on what occurs in the coming months.