3 Reasons Baker Mayfield can take Panthers to the playoffs

By Randy Gurzi | Jul 11, 2022

Heisman Trophy winner and former OU quarterback Baker Mayfield speaks to the crowd after 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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The Carolina Panthers upgraded at quarterback while giving up next to nothing, and now, Baker Mayfield could wind up leading them to the postseason

Less than a week ago, the Carolina Panthers agreed to a trade with the Cleveland Browns, which landed them a new quarterback, and former No. 1 overall pick, in Baker Mayfield.

For months, this trade has been expected but the finances needed to be figured out. In the end, the Browns will pay around $10.5 million of Mayfield’s salary, Carolina will pay around $5 million, and the quarterback took a cut of roughly $3.5 million — although he can earn some back with incentives.

In the end, this proved to be a good trade for both teams but the Panthers could wind up being the big winners. Especially if Mayfield takes them to the playoffs — and here are three reasons that could happen.

Why Baker Mayfield can take Carolina to the playoffs

Jun 8, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Rookie tackle Ikem Ekwonu in a drill during Carolina Panthers minicamp at Bank of America Stadium Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

3. An improved offensive line

Carolina’s offensive line was a mess last season, which is part of the reason Sam Darnold couldn’t stay healthy. The good news for Mayfield is that they did go out and try to improve things in the offseason.

Their biggest move was adding Ikem Ekwonu with their first pick in the draft. The North Carolina State product is slated to be the starting left tackle from day one — and while he draws Myles Garrett in Week 1 as they face Mayfield’s former team, he should still have a solid season overall.

Carolina also added Bradley Bozeman and Austin Corbett in free agency, helping to strengthen the interior of the line. This unit might not be elite, but they’re competent, and that will help a lot.

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