The Cleveland Browns have been trying to move Baker Mayfield for months, but not much movement has happened because of his salary coming into this season.
The Carolina Panthers have appeared the most likely landing spot for Mayfield since the NFL Draft, when they were first confirmed to be engaged in serious trade talks for the quarterback.
While Mayfield will likely have the opportunity to start in Carolina over Sam Darnold and rookie Matt Corral, Mike Sando of The Athletic thinks it’s not an ideal situation.
“I happen to think Carolina’s not a good fit for him and I know Baker’s agents well. They are very competent people, they’re good people, they understand it too,” Sando said. “I think Carolina’s a hornet’s nest cause I think the coach’s under the gun, I think everybody there’s under the gun. They’ve got an owner who’s ready to press the button any day now on a reset and if I’m Baker that could be ugly and messy. That’s why I come back to saying Seattle is the one spot for him.”
The Panthers finished last season 5-12 and in last place in the NFC South. Head coach Matt Rhule now owns a 10-23 record over two seasons and things are not expected to get any better next season.
Darnold is the assumed starter in Carolina after passing for 2,527 yards, nine touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 12 games with the Panthers last season.
Mayfield completed 60.5% of his passes last season for 3,010 yards, and 17 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. He played mostly hurt last year and is expected to be ready for training camp after having surgery.
