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
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.
2. Great receiving options
Before Baker Mayfield was traded to Carolina, wide receiver Robbie Anderson made some noise when he voiced his displeasure at the idea of such a deal. Since the trade went down, he’s tried to suggest there’s a narrative being pushed, but the dude straight said “nooooo” to the idea — and yes, it was five ‘o’s in his response to a social media post.
Of course, this is professional football so if the two want to have success, they need to find a way to get past this. If so, Anderson can prove to be one of many solid options for Mayfield in the Panthers’ passing attack.
Anderson is joined by fellow starter D.J. Moore, who has 4,313 yards receiving in his first four seasons — while going over 1,110 yards in each of his past three years in the league. There’s also Terrace Marshall who could develop into a solid third option, but if not, Rashard Higgins is there as well — and he was one of Mayfield’s favorite receivers in Cleveland.
The talent extends beyond wideout as well, with Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble at tight end. On top of that, Christian McCaffrey can catch the ball as well as any receiver in the game, provided he stays healthy.
Mayfield will have plenty of options in Charlotte, which is another reason he could take them into the postseason.
1. Backs up against the wall
Anyone who has followed Baker Mayfield has heard it more times than they can count — don’t ever count him out. Mayfield has always proven he will bet on himself, and so far, he has done very well in this regard.
After going from walk-on to starter at Texas Tech, he lost his job to Patrick Mahomes. This led to him moving to Norman, Oklahoma where he was again a walk-on for the Sooners. He not only became a starter there as well, but this time, he won the Heisman before turning into the top pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Mayfield also typically responded well to adversity in Cleveland — that was until 2021. Now heading into this season, he’s facing more doubters than ever before, which is sure to light a fire under him. He’s also going to be out to prove he deserves a big contract in 2023, which will be another motivating factor.
Having said all of that, he’s not the only one with his back against the wall. Head coach Matt Rhule has underwhelmed in his first two seasons, going just 10-23 thus far in his NFL career. Like Mayfield, he has a lot to prove — and could be on his last chance with the Panthers.
With all of that taking place, this could be a season where each shows the league their absolute best.