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3 Baker Mayfield trades that still should happen

By Randy Gurzi

Heisman Trophy winner and former OU quarterback Baker Mayfield is introduced to the crowd before a statue of him was unveiled during a ceremony at halftime of the University of Oklahoma's annual spring football game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, April 23, 2022.Ou Sooners Spring Football Game
Heisman Trophy winner and former OU quarterback Baker Mayfield is introduced to the crowd before a statue of him was unveiled during a ceremony at halftime of the University of Oklahoma's annual spring football game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, April 23, 2022.Ou Sooners Spring Football Game /
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Baker Mayfield
NFL Power Rankings; Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Baker Mayfield trade destination No. 2: Carolina Panthers

This one seemed like a huge possibility before the draft, but then it appeared it was dead.

The Carolina Panthers were in the market for Deshaun Watson as they clearly wanted an upgrade over Sam Darnold. Once Watson decided on the Browns, the focus then turned to Baker Mayfield as an option in Carolina.

However, the Panthers elected to draft Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral which made it seem less likely than ever that Mayfield was headed to Charlotte. But now, there are rumors that the trade might “not be dead.”

If the Panthers are serious about going after Mayfield, it would be a good idea. Sure, Corral might turn out to be a solid starter down the road, but few would say he can be the guy as a rookie. And with him being a mid-round pick, chances are much more likely that he would be a backup at best.

As for Sam Darnold, he’s proven to not only be wildly inconsistent, but he cannot stay healthy. Mayfield did have injury issues in 2021 but he pushed through them for the most part — even to his own detriment.

Carolina head coach Matt Rhule is entering a critical season after two disastrous campaigns in 2020 and 2021. He needs to win in order to keep his job and while Mayfield has questions, he would be a much better option than both Darnold and Corral. For that reason, the Panthers should pull the trigger on a trade.

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