It appears a favorite has emerged to acquire Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Panthers have the “inside track” to land the former No. 1 overall pick.
This report lines up with what NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on The Pat McAfee Show this Friday.
“To me, the Carolina Panthers seem to be the most likely spot for Baker Mayfield, or maybe a team brings him in as a high-money backup, like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — that would make some sense to me,” Rapoport said.
If the Panthers trade for Mayfield, that could create an awkward dynamic in the locker room.
On Friday afternoon, Panthers wide receiver Robby Anderson commented “Nooooo” on an Instagram post quoting Rapoport’s comments about Mayfield. Clearly, he doesn’t want Mayfield in Carolina.
Of several Baker Mayfield suitors, the #Panthers have the inside track to trade for him, per source (sorry Robby Anderson!): #Browns Insider https://t.co/TeFsHi63db
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) April 16, 2022
At this moment, the Panthers are in a tough spot. They could select a quarterback with the No. 6 pick in this year’s draft, but their coaching staff is under pressure to compete as early as this season.
It’s so tough to predict how a rookie will perform, especially at quarterback. At least the Panthers would know what Mayfield brings to the table. When healthy, he’s a serviceable starter in the NFL.
With the NFL Draft less than two weeks away, a trade between the Browns and Panthers could come to fruition fairly soon.
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