By: Jake Rajala

The Carolina Panthers officially traded for quarterback Baker Mayfield today. Per NFL.com, the Panthers are delivering a fifth-round draft pick in 2024 to the Browns for the big-arm QB. Mayfield is finally out of his personal Alcatraz (also known as Cleveland), while the underrated Panthers squad acquired a QB that should earn the keys to the offense in Week 1.

With that said, Mayfield (assuming he’s the starting QB) will be in full John Wick-mode in the Panthers contest against the Browns in Week 1. The Browns battle against the Panthers will be an exciting, dramatic, and competitive show-down.

With that enunciated, I’m going to simply untwine three winners and three losers from the blockbuster Mayfield trade.

Winner: Matt Rhule

The Panthers head coach, Matt Rhule, is walking on fewer eggshells after they upgraded the QB position — which previously featured Sam Darnold as the projected starter. Rhule will not only have Christian McCaffrey healthy, but he will have a talented quarterback that can utilize the weapons on a high level if he’s in sync and healthy. Rhule has a record of 10-23, but he should feel a lot more comfortable about the chance of having his first winning record in 2022 with the former Browns QB.

Loser: Sam Darnold

Darnold may express that he’s a “good” quarterback on “Bussin’ with the Boys”, but his 2021 performance was actually dreadful. The former USC stud threw 9 touchdowns to 13 interceptions while ousting a 4-7 record. Plus, the Panthers have a young, potentially better QB to couple with Baker in Matt Corral. Darnold, who is a FA in 2023, will likely be traded soon or looking for a new home after the 2022 season.

Winner: Robbie Anderson

Robby Anderson may not prefer Baker Mayfield in secrecy, but it’s obvious that Mayfield can help the deep threat more than Darnold. Anderson was one of the most under-utilized deep threats in 2021, so it’s time for the Mayfield-Anderson connection to thrive moving forward. Anderson recorded 15 YPC in 2018 and 2019, but he had a career-low (to say the least) 9.8 YPC in 2022.

Loser: New Orleans Saints

The Saints have a healthy QB-WR duo in Jameis Winston and Michael Thomas. Plus, they brought in the Honey Badger (who was All-Pro in 2020 and 2019). Although, they still have a brutal path in 2022 — seventh most challenging schedule. They may be really pushing for a wild-card spot next season, so it’s vital that they don’t cough up a loss against the Panthers.

Winner: Jacoby Brissett

Assuming Deshaun Watson missed at least a large chunk of 2022, Jacoby Brissett is guaranteed as the Browns temporary, starting QB. The 29-year-old QB has a golden opportunity to prove his worth with a Browns offense that features Nick Chubb, Amari Cooper, and Kareem Hunt. Perhaps Brissett can play well and earn an impressive contract with a team like the Jets in the 2023 off-season.

Loser: P.J. Walker

The Panthers 27-year-old quarterback, P.J. Walker, will have a brutal chance of making the Panthers roster with Mayfield onboard. The former XFL QB that threw a touchdown in a Panthers uniform last season will likely not be retained as a fourth-string QB. However, I trust that he will have another opportunity elsewhere at this stage in his career.

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By: Jake Rajala

The Carolina Panthers drafted the former Ole Miss signal-caller Matt Corral in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft. The Panthers coach that is on the hot seat entering 2022 stated “We would have taken him high” in reference to Corral. It was clear that Matt Rhule and Ben McAdoo were big fans of Corral’s fit in Charlotte.

Corral doesn’t have a shortage of arm strength, but he did have off-field concerns in the draft process. According to AL.com, Corral slipped in the draft due to his issues with alcohol, depression, and unreliable behavior. Baker Mayfield had similar off-field concerns as Corral, but his overall persona and ability still convinced the Browns to select him first overall.

Rest assured, Corral will have a lot of motivation and confidence on Day 1 as a Panther. He will join a QB room that features a hungry, yet disappointing Sam Darnold. It doesn’t matter if “Sam Darnold is 24” because he has taken steps backward and not forward, to say the least. It’s really a “do or die” season for Darnold in a Panthers uniform.

The ultimate question revolving around the Panthers QB room is: which QB will be the Panthers starting QB in 2022? I honestly expect Corral to recognize the opportunity and seize the starting QB gig. Rhule has been *very* aggressive for a QB this off-season and I expect the Panthers to roll the dice with Corral.

I expect Corral to be effective with CMAC and the play-action opportunities in the McAdoo’s offense. I don’t expect Rhule to be thrilled about handing the keys to the offense to the unfortunate familiar Panthers QB in Darnold. With that said, I believe the outlook for the Panthers QB situation is still scary in the short term. The NFL world witnessed the 2022 rookie Ian Book throw a pick-six on his first series in the NFL and I believe the Panthers could witness growing pains with Corral in 2022. Hopefully, the third-round draft pick can take positive strides and help his team progress from 2021 in the Tom Brady-led NFC South.

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By: Jake Rajala

The NFL stands for “not for long” and it isn’t easy for any NFL profile to remain a consistent force in the professional football league over a long duration of time. In particular, there are countless NFL head coaches that meet the grim reaper and get fired at the end of each NFL season. With that said, I’m going to outline many coaching faces that are standing on hot coals entering the 2022 NFL season.

• Matt Rhule

The Carolina Panthers axed Joe Brady after they started 5-7 last season and it’s clear they expect progress from their quarterback and offense in 2022. I’m really not convinced that the Panthers and Matt Rhule have improved their QB situation (contrary to Sam Darnold’s self-reflection on Barstool) this offseason. I don’t believe that Sam Darnold or any of the 2022 rookie signal-callers will prevent Rhule from facing the music (such as “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga).

The Panthers were also gifted bad news when Tom Brady unretired and New Orleans re-signed the 5-2 starting QB in New Orleans, Jameis Winston. Rhule’s team will defintely have four difficult match-ups in the NFC South next season

• Kevin Stefanski

The Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski clearly has high expectations for the second season in a row. Stefanski led the most disappointing team in 2021 and he will face a dire reality if the Browns fail to make the playoffs with an improved 2022 roster. The Deshaun Watson featured Browns might even receive familiar faces in Jadeveon Clowney and OBJ. It’s safe to say that the 2020 coach of the year won’t be “paid to lose games” and he will likely meet the chopping block if his team finishes with 7 or fewer wins for the second season in a row.

• Ron Rivera

The Washington Commanders were desperate for an attractive QB mate at the dance this offseason. Unfortunately, the Commanders weren’t able to acquire Patrick Mahomes or any other elite QB. Ron Rivera is really relying on Carson Wentz to have a career revival and become a modest starting QB. Wentz will most likely not follow in Aaron Rodgers’s old path by ascending from an underperforming QB to an MVP-caliber QB, but he can save his head coach’s future by helping his team make the playoffs for the “second time in three seasons”.

• Jon Harbaugh

The GOAT Tom Brady almost passed the torch to Lamar Jackson, but the NFL world still knows LJ is a special athlete. The Ravens HC-QB combination needs to find a way to return to the AFC playoff gauntlet in the gutsy AFC North. The Super Bowl XLVII magic is wearing off John Harbaugh and he needs to prove his vision with a Lamar Jackson-led squad. The Steelers legendary head coach Mike Tomlin found a way to dig deep and bring the Steelers to the post-season last season and now it’s time for Harbaugh to keep a chip on his shoulder and discover at least a playoff berth next season.

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By: Jake Rajala

The Carolina Panthers may not have Riverboat Ron, but they have been really aggressive in the search for talent this offseason. The Panthers head coach Matt Rhule is clearly on the hot seat with a 10-23 NFL coaching record. Rhule will need to battle the storm and find a way to improve the Panthers from a wretched 2021 outcome. With that enunciated, I’m going to outline the specific challenges that lay ahead of CAR right now.

• Panthers pass rush

The Panthers will square off against Tom Brady twice and a Saints offense with a healthy Michael Thomas twice next season. It’s clear that the Panthers will need to be able to generate significant pass rush ability against divisional foes next season.

The Panthers were ranked 16th in sacks last season. Plus, their top 2021 pass rusher Haason Reddick (11 sacks in 2021) fled to Philly in free agency. It doesn’t matter if the Panthers can showcase an improved passing offense if they allow opposing QBs like Brady to drop 36.5 points a contest against them.

• Growth of the QB spot

I really don’t believe Rhule is going to hand the keys to the “good” QB Sam Darnold in 2022. If the Panthers are really desperate for QBs like Baker Mayfield, I expect them to target a QB with their first pick in the 2022 NFL draft. I believe Rhule faces a really high uphill battle in 2022. Although, if the Panthers can win 8+ games with a rookie QB and the QB is a strong OROY candidate, Rhule could be given another opportunity with the potential ascending Panthers in 2023.

• Healthy Christian McCaffrey

There is no question that Christian McCaffrey is the Panthers most talented profile. Unfortunately, CMAC has missed 23 games in the past two seasons combined. If the Panthers lose McCaffrey for five-plus games in 2022, it will be incredibly hard for the likely young Panthers QB to lead the Panthers to success. If CMAC is healthy and playing like a Top-5 RB with a “modest QB performance”, the Panthers could legitimately be a wild-card NFC team.

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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.

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Jim Harbaugh has peaked in his time with the University of Michigan, as he exited a 2021 college football season with a record of 12-2 and an Orange Bowl appearance. It’s also worth mentioning that the Harbaugh-led Wolverines managed to edge out Ohio State University in a 42-27 thrashing of the rival, seventh-ranked squad.

We know Harbaugh has finally left his mark on the college football world. With that said, it appears that Harbaugh may take his talents elsewhere now that he’s on top of the rollercoaster in Michigan. Well, where could the former 49ers, Michigan, and Stanford coach take his talents? It appears that the Harbaugh twin could go back to his professional football coaching roots. 

According to The Athletic, there appears to be a real shot that the former NFL HC returns to the big league. Some have suggested that he could take over the reign in Las Vegas and NBC Chicago stated that Harbaugh “has really positive feelings” about the Bears.

It’s not clear if Chicago will realistically strike gold with the head coach, but it does seem like a logical fit. The Bears have a rookie quarterback with a lot of potential in Justin Fields. They also have significant talent on defense with All-Pro DE Khalil Mack and Pro Bowl snub Roquan Smith.

I can’t deny that the Bears fit well and seem to be a safe bet for landing the Big 10 coach. There are three reasons why they make sense. For 1. They will most likely have a head coaching opening. Second of all, they have the soon-to-be second-year QB Justin Fields. And the third reason would have to be there’s an emotional aspect for Harbaugh. Of course, the head coach played QB for the Bears in his NFL playing days.

Still, I believe there is a better fit talent-wise for Harbaugh and this said team could have a potential opening. This team is none other than the Carolina Panthers. I surely feel that Harbaugh would have more success and more robust, long-term potential with CAR.  

The future competitiveness of the NFC South should seem a lot more charming than that of the NFC North (even if it is dreadful now). In 2024, here is a realistic expectation of the NFC South QBs (excluding Carolina): 

Tampa Bay: Kyle Trask

New Orleans: Jameis Winston

Atlanta Falcons: a rookie or second-year QB

In the NFC North, the Packers could have their attractive ex in Aaron Rodgers for at least a few more seasons. Not to mention that he’s made it very clear that he owns the Bears. The Minnesota Vikings should be at least modest with a couple of holes filled plus the presence of two potential future Hall of Famers in Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson. The Lions have no light at the end of the tunnel, but they do fight hard. I will leave it there.

The South has firepower, but they have a few more wheelchairs via the age of the elite players. Let’s face it, Tom Brady and Gronk won’t be playing longer than a couple of seasons in the NFL. The Falcons will most likely have a new franchise QB in an offense missing Julio Jones and very likely Calvin Ridley. Then the Saints have Sean Payton, Alvin Kamara, but Cam Jordan, Demario Davis, and Malcolm Jenkins will all be 33+ years old next season. It’s not clear who the future QB will be and if Michael Thomas will be in the Big Easy with his rangy nature towards the team. Although, I do feel that the Saints have an optimistic long-term outlook if they properly address the QB situation this offseason.

The Panthers could dominate the South for years if they find a spark at QB around the talent they carry. They will honestly have a bit of a fixer-upper at their own QB situation. Although, it’s worth mentioning that Fields hasn’t been close to a proven first-round pick in Chi-town. But, the Panthers have a very impressive supporting cast around their QB situation. That’s why Harbaugh should also take his chances of finding the franchise QB in the Carolinas and not in the Windy City. 

Harbaugh could have one of the best all-purpose RBs in CMAC coming off of injury. He could rightfully help him return to being an OPOY type of back. He will at least have a season to experiment with him and see how explosive his ability post-injury is. The WR group is much more talented in CAR than Chicago, as well. Robby Anderson and D.J. Moore are arguably the most underrated WR duo in all of the league, while the two leading receivers for the Bears this season are RB David Montgomery and RB Khalil Herbert. Yes, you read that correctly. 

Harbaugh should ideally have his favorite landing spot in his head, but he could be surprised by another opening. If Rhule is really out (right after his OC), then Harbaugh could acknowledge the potential in CAR and be more intuitive by selecting the better strategic empty chair.

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By: Jake Rajala

The Carolina Panthers entered the 2021 offseason desperate for change. Matt Rhule and the Panthers knew that they were getting All-Pro Christian McCaffrey back and healthy. Still, the fourth-place NFC South team from a year ago was widely aware that they needed a boost in their arsenal if they wanted to head in a winning direction.

The Panthers made a smart move by acquiring the young, cheaper Sam Darnold at the QB position. On defense, the organization drafted Jaycee Horn with the eighth overall pick. Numerous other valuable moves were made like the signing of Dan Arnold at tight end, inking Haason Reddick at defensive end, and the addition of Denzel Perryman to the linebacker unit. The Panthers undoubtedly boast a new look, sharper squad as training camp approaches. 

Indeed, training camp approaches, but it’s still the offseason and there’s still time to focus on improving the roster before the pads come on for the Panthers and the 31 other ball clubs. When looking at the Panthers, they are a team that could use more talent at a few spots. In particular, CAR could use more firepower at the RB position. 

Free-agent RB Todd Gurley would be the perfect fit for coach Rhule’s offensive attack. The Panthers boast CMAC, but there’s hardly an ounce of proven ability behind McCaffrey. Behind the number one RB spot, lies fourth-round rookie Chubba Hubbard and second-year UDFA Rodney Smith. 

Gurley is a mere 26 years old, he’s an ironman RB (played 14+ games in each of the last six seasons), and he brings value in the rushing and passing game. He recorded roughly 5,000 combined yards and 54 total touchdowns across a three-season span (2017-2019). In his most previous season, he wasn’t an electric force behind the dreadful Falcons OL, but he had several long runs and bruising TD runs, which helped show that his knees still have juice and he can be relied on with even a heavy load.

Gurley may not be the same player that he was as an All-Pro in 2018, but he could be involved and provide noticeable production in various ways. In a division where the Panthers play the Saints elite run defense twice a year, the Bucs dominant front seven twice a season, a slight boost from Gurley’s all-around ability could go a long way. His presence could especially be valued in short-yardage situations, where his strength could be utilized and CMAC could sit out and stay fresher.

Gurley signed a one-year – 5.5 million dollar deal with the Atlanta Falcons last season. He will likely garner around four million per season on his next team. The Panthers sit 11th in the league in cap space, so they have the ammunition to ink the former stud RB. If Gurley and the Panthers have a mutual interest in the near future, or if the Panthers feel the need to get more stability at halfback during training camp, it would be wise to reel in Gurley’s services. If Gurley does come to Charlotte and proves to be a quality player, the Panthers could have a superb tandem for years to come.

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by Michael Obermuller

Just one season into a three-year deal with Teddy Bridgewater, the Carolina Panthers have traded three draft picks (including a 2022 second rounder) for Sam Darnold. This time, Matt Rhule and Joe Brady finally got their quarterback of the future ”” or did they?

From multiple reports, the Panthers may not be totally “out” on drafting a QB just yet. General manager Scott Fitterer knows just how crucial it is to get this position right, and he’ll bring in as many players as it takes to do it. Darnold is the presumed starter based on potential as of now, but statistically, he was far less efficient than Bridgewater in 2020.

Of course, Darnold was in Adam Gase’s system last season, a system that many blame for his failures, but maybe neither signal-caller deserves the job outright after a combined record of 6-21 a few months ago.

That’s Carolina’s mindset, but should they sacrifice even more draft capital and cap space on the position when they’ve already used so much? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the Panthers drafting another QB in 2021.

Cases FOR Drafting a QB

• The Player they Want Most is Available at No. 8 Overall
  • The word around the NFL is that Carolina wants Justin Fields, and their scouting would certainly back that up. Based on Albert Breer’s tweet above, the Panthers have shown heavy attendance at both of Fields’ two Pro Day events.
  • This would also make sense in concurrence with the Darnold trade. Supposedly, the Panthers previously tried to move up to either second or third overall, but the New York Jets decided not to budge from two, and the San Francisco 49ers beat them to the punch at three.
  • Reports have the Panthers less high on Mac Jones and Trey Lance, so the Darnold deal may have been insurance in the event that Fields is gone at eight. If a QB you LOVE is still on the board, you draft him, that’s Football 101 (especially if there’s no QB prospect you like in 2022).
• Potential Ceiling
  • Every team evaluates players differently. For example, the New York Jets new braintrust clearly evaluated Darnold differently than the Carolina Panthers, being that they believe a rookie has a higher ceiling than the former third overall pick in 2018.
  • Having said that, Carolina would not have traded for Darnold unless they thought he had more potential than Bridgewater. They should only consider drafting a QB if they truly believe he has a higher potential than both Sam and Teddy.
  • The stats above could support this theory alone, but it’ll also have to do with age, dual-threat ability, scheme fit, mentality and different raw skills like arm strength. A prospect like Fields would beat out the two veterans in almost every measurable category.
• Can Never Have Enough QBs
  • This is the “multiple darts” argument, but it’s unlikely that Carolina would ever enter the 2021 season with three quarterbacks.
  • They could draft a QB at eight, then trade Bridgewater to a team like the Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, or New England Patriots.

Case AGAINST Drafting a QB

• Top QBs Are Gone Early
  • I know, duh, but I’m including this to point out that Carolina CANNOT and SHOULD NOT trade up for a quarterback. They already gave up three picks to get Darnold, and this rebuilding franchise still needs help elsewhere if they plan on succeeding long-term.
  • Most draft analysts have all five of the main QB prospects being drafted in the top 10, and some have them going one through five (or at least top seven). This may be out of the Panthers hands.
• Darnold’s Upside
  • Although Bridgewater could theoretically outplay Darnold, I don’t think there’s an argument to keep Teddy over a rookie past 2022, so let’s focus on Sam here.
  • The latest NYJ disappointment is just 24 years old in June, and he’s had an odd start to his career. Whether due to injury or his baffling bout with mono, Darnold has yet to play a full season. This could be looked at as a con for the USC product, or it could mean that the best is yet to come.
• Change of Scenery Could “Unlock” Darnold
  • The Jets also didn’t do Darnold any favors, hiring Gase to mentor him after one failed campaign with Todd Bowles and Jeremy Bates. Panthers OC Joe Brady is considered to be one of the brightest young minds in the game, which could act as a catalyst for Sam.
  • A skill-position core of Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson and David Moore also trumps anything the Jets ever armed Darnold with.
  • Even offensive line play was better in Carolina last season. Darnold had a pressure percentage of 27.3 compared to Bridgewater’s 19.8. Sam was also hit the same amount of times (38) as Teddy in three less starts, and was actually hurried once more than him despite the difference in games.
• Available Cap Space & Draft Capital vs. Roster Needs
  • As I just pointed out, the Jets never put a quality roster around Darnold, so would it be wise for Carolina to do the same, even if they start a rookie QB?
  • Bridgewater currently has a cap hit of $22.9 million-plus this year ($20 million dead cap hit), and Darnold has a hit of $4.77 million. They have ALREADY picked up Sam’s fifth year option for 2022, which is another $18.85 million, and assuming they cannot deal Teddy, they’ll incure a $5 million dead cap hit when they release him next offseason. An eighth overall pick would add about $3.75 million this year and $4.7 million in 2022.
  • After the Darnold trade, the Panthers have seven draft picks in 2021, and five picks in 2022.
  • Carolina’s defense ranked 18th in points allowed last season. Their offensive line also ranked 18th according to Pro Football Focus. They even lost playmakers like Curtis Samuel and Mike Davis this offseason. They cannot afford to spend $31 million-plus and four total draft picks (including a first and second) on three QBs in 2021 when this roster is far from perfect.

The Verdict

I think it’s pretty obvious that the Panthers should give Darnold the opportunity in 2021. For better or for worse, they made their bed when they pounced on the Jets trade proposal. The only way they draft a QB is if they find a second trade partner for Bridgewater, which is possible, but I doubt they get much back in this scenario (besides cap relief). With the defending Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers set up to be the powerhouse of the division for at least one more season, it’s probably smarter to add another layer of foundation around the quarterback position this draft. Then, after seeing what you have in Darnold, you can re-evaluate the situation in 2022.

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