Baker Mayfield is now a part of the Carolina Panthers after the Cleveland Browns traded him for a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
That selection could turn into a fourth-rounder if he plays 70 percent of the snaps for the Panthers this season.
Mayfield will likely reach that number because why would the team trade for him if they don’t need him?
They couldn’t trust Sam Darnold, who fizzled towards the end of the season.
Likewise, the verdict is still out on whether Matt Corral will become a franchise quarterback.
Therefore, Mayfield is their best chance to have a respectable finish in 2022.
After all, he has helped stabilize a franchise that has experienced decades of misery.
He also helped give the Browns their first playoff victory since 2004.
But before he takes the field, he will have his first official activity as a Panthers player.
Baker Mayfield will do media today as a Carolina Panther.
— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) July 12, 2022
The media will certainly ask him questions about his relationship with the Browns organization and his expectations with the Panthers.
The inquiries may sound repetitive but Mayfield has to answer all questions to clear his side.
Realistic Expectations For The Panthers
The Panthers could compete if running back Christian McCaffrey will be back to full strength and play like a star.
Without him, it’s difficult to see their offense having success.
They do have talented receivers in D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, and Terrace Marshall Jr.
But Mayfield will be more comfortable in his position if he had a strong running game like in Cleveland with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.
However, it’s difficult to see the Panthers winning the division over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints.
Therefore, anything beyond seven wins should be a tremendous accomplishment for Mayfield and the Panthers.
NEXT: 3 Reasons Panthers Fans Should Be Happy About Baker Mayfield