Carolina Panthers Hmm Adding a new quarterback to their depth chart, where they send a conditional 2024 fifth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for Baker Mayfield. According to CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan JonesThe fifth round selection can turn into the fourth round depending on the playing time.
The NFL Network reported that the Panthers and Browns would also split the money owed to Mayfield in 2022. Money has always been an issue in business negotiations, with Mayfield due to receive $18.85 million fully guaranteed in the final year of his start-up deal. Brown will pay Mayfield $10.5 million in 2022 The Panthers will pay about $5 million. Mayfield also reportedly agreed to take a pay cut of about $3.5 million.
The former No. 1 overall pick has been looking for a change of scenery since Brown won the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes. The Panthers have long been considered one of the favorites to land on Mayfield, and they swing a deal for him just weeks before training camp. Interestingly enough, Carolina opens the season against Cleveland in Charlotte.
Jonathan Jones only reported last month that the Panthers were working with them urgency for a Mayfield deal. According to SportsLine data scientist Stephen Oh, the Panthers are winning 0.7 better with Mayfield under center than starting last year Sam Darnold. Carolina should have a 1.3% better chance of winning the division and 4.4% better chance of making the playoffs.
The Oklahoma producer threw 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 14 games played last year with the Browns, playing 6-8 as a starter while fighting through multiple injuries. Mayfield seemed to be able to read the writing on the wall even before Watson chose Cleveland. In April, he toldOh never knowThe podcast he felt disrespect him by his team with how it all happened.
“I feel disrespected,” Mayfield said. “One hundred percent. Because I was told one thing, and they did quite another. That’s what I’m in the middle of right now… I’m just looking to settle down for now.”
“I really, really, honestly, have no regrets about my time in Cleveland for what I tried to bring to this place. True Clevelanders fans and true Brown fans know it. That’s why I can walk away from the whole situation feeling like this: I did it.”
Mayfield joins the depth scheme headed by Darnold, who was acquired by trade in the latest season of the New York Jets. The Panthers now have two of the three top picks from the 2018 NFL Draft. Carolina also drafted Matt Corral of the Ole Miss in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, and has former XFL PJ Walker on a one-year deal.
It remains to be seen if Mayfield will be the long-term solution in Carolina, but Matt Rhule and Co are hoping it will at least be an automatic upgrade from their midfield play in 2021.
