Quarterback Baker Mayfield found a new home when the Carolina Panthers traded for him last month.
In return, the Cleveland Browns received a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
That selection could become a fourth-rounder if Mayfield plays 70 percent of the snaps this season.
It looks like he is on track to fulfill that condition after head coach Matt Rhule named him as their starting quarterback, beating out Sam Darnold, P.J. Walker, and Matt Corral.
The job was his to lose once he joined the Panthers because he is the best option on their depth chart.
Having a playoff victory and playing through injuries last season gives him the edge over his counterparts.
In some ways, Mayfield could be the guy that saves the jobs of Rhule and general manager Scott Fitterer.
But instead of letting him carry a heavy load, the Panthers are unloading some weight off his shoulders by improving the talent around him.
Christian McCafrrey, Robbie Anderson, Laviska Shenault. They’re getting rid of excuses for Baker Mayfield and I love it. https://t.co/YPOPWhqjuC
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) August 29, 2022
NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport tweeted, “Sources: The #Jaguars are trading WR Laviska Shenault to the #Panthers. A new playmaking weapon.”
In return, the Jacksonville Jaguars received a 2023 seventh-rounder and a 2024 sixth-rounder.
To which former NFL Player Emmanuel Acho responded, “Christian McCaffrey, Robbie Anderson, Laviska Shenault. They’re getting rid of excuses for Baker Mayfield, and I love it.”
He also added, “And DJ Moore glaring omission who will make his presence more than known on Sundays!”
Panthers Have The Talent To Compete
That’s a stacked roster that Mayfield must put into work every week.
A healthy McCaffrey is easily one of the best running backs in the league.
Likewise, Anderson is raring to bounce back from his 2021 season, wherein he had only 519 yards and five touchdowns.
Shenault is also a fantastic addition because he can affect both the running and the passing game.
He has at least 600 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons.
Likewise, he is a threat on the ground with a 4.6 yards per carry average on 29 attempts.
NEXT: Baker Mayfield Can Instantly Make The Browns Feel Regret
