After months of speculation, inquiring and number crunching, the Carolina Panthers acquired quarterback Baker Mayfield from the Cleveland Browns. The deal cost the Panthers a 5th-round pick and $5 million, since the Browns agreed to take on the bulk of the $18 millions owed salary and Mayfield agreeing to a $3.5 million pay cut.
In theory, the move is understandable. Rhule is under pressure to win in 2022 and there’s more than a doubt that Sam Darnold will help with that. But the thing is this: What makes Mayfield more of an upgrade? In Cleveland he had a roster that included Odell Beckham Jr., Nick Chubb, David Njoko as offensive weapons, and strong offensive line and premier defenders Miles Garrett and Denzel Ward…and still underperformed. Last season, Mayfield threw for 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His quarterback rating was a paltry 83.1. In comparison, Darnold threw for 2,527 yards, 9 touchdowns and 13 interceptions with a quarterback rating of 76.9. Mayfield and Darnold are different sides of the same coin of mediocrity when you look at these numbers.
If this was just a move that affected the short-term future of the Panthers, not much would be questioned. There would be criticism of the record and fit. Since the Panthers invested a second round pick and over $18M in Darnold and traded up to select Matt Corral in this year’s draft, this move will continue to be debated.
The argument of riding it out with the quarterbacks on the team is a strong one. Win the games that are winnable in a pursuit of a true rebuild through the draft. On the other hand, could a new environment be what Mayfield needs to thrive? In Carolina, he has weapons in DJ Moore, Robbie Anderson (who, contrary to his previous comments, has no problems with Mayfield) and an eager Christian McCaffrey looking prove he’s still got it. Plus Mayfield has a revamped offensive line to work with.
Optimistically, the Panthers would have a chance to sneak in as a wildcard if they win what they are supposed to and steal a few that they shouldn’t. Realistically, this move could net them at least six wins. What do you think? Do you think the Panthers made the right move with this trade?