Making the case for the Panthers to not trade for Mayfield
By: Jake Rajala
The Cleveland Browns are looking to trade away their former first overall pick in Baker Mayfield. They recently shocked the league and acquired Deshaun Watson for a hefty price (five year – $230 million dollar contract). It appears true that Watson will enter the revolving door, while Mayfield will exit the door.
There have been a few teams rumored to land Mayfield since Watson arrived in Cleveland. The Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have been favorites to bring in Baker. With that said, I believe it would be uncharacteristic for Matt Rhule to reel in Baker. Here are a few reasons why the Panthers should not trade for Mayfield.
- long-term fit
I don’t believe Baker will ascend into being an elite QB or revolt to being an excellent game manager for the Panthers until the Panthers develop a 2022 rookie signal-caller or a 2023 first-year QB. I believe Rhule’s seat is HOT, but I believe they are trying to fix something that will stay broke. I’d prefer them to add more ammunition around Darnold with their cap space, bring in a rookie QB (hope he can start soon for Rhule’s sake), and then try to win more games than last season. I don’t believe the mediocre and unfamiliar Baker will automatically be a “quality bridge QB for CAR in 2022”. If the Panthers overpay and acquire Baker, they could have a similar outcome as the Colts with Carson Wentz in 2021.
- Please draft a QB in 2022
If the Panthers are hell-bent on drafting a QB in the 2022 draft like Malik Willis or Kenny Pickett, I believe it’s a terrible idea to bring in Baker. I really believe Willis or Pickett has a solid chance at beating out Baker in 2022 and likely 2023 at this moment. They should draft Willis in my opinion, let him compete with Darnold, and slowly incorporate him into game action in a “Taysom Hill-like role” in 2022. Willis could be a weapon with CMAC on option play early on, regardless of the pure starting QB.
- Trade for a different QB
I would honestly like to see the Panthers acquire a QB like Jimmy G or Taylor Heinicke on a cheaper deal if they really want to add a modest veteran QB. I believe the potential and game management with Jimmy G in the Panthers offense outweighs Baker’s arm talent in Rhule’s aerial offensive attack. Garoppolo has a “Darren Sproles-like friend” in McCaffrey and he can also be lethal off the play-action game with Robby Anderson and D.J. Moore. If they aren’t in love with the ceiling of the 49ers veteran pocket passer, they should add a veteran QB that can potentially start in the near future on a cheaper contract like Heinicke.
