The Carolina Panthers knew that their quarterback depth chart was shallow even after selecting Matt Corral in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
They still don’t know if Sam Darnold will pan out, while Corral and P.J. Walker are unproven commodities.
Therefore, they had to do something to improve their winning chances.
Enter Baker Mayfield, who the Cleveland Browns placed on the trading block after trading for and signing Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson.
In return, the Browns received a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
But while Mayfield could play savior to the Panthers, General Manager Scott Fitterer said that the starting job won’t automatically go to him.
Panthers GM Scott Fitterer on whether Baker Mayfield is the starting QB: "This is an open competition."
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) July 12, 2022
ESPN’s Field Yates tweeted, “Panthers GM Scott Fitterer on whether Baker Mayfield is the starting QB: ‘This is an open competition.'”
Yes, they would like to promote the notion that Darnold, Corral, and Walker have a chance in becoming the team’s starter.
However, this is nothing but a public relations statement because it’s clear that Mayfield will win the role at training camp.
After all, why trade for him this late into the offseason if they don’t have the intention of starting him?
They’ve seen what they havd and deemed it inadequate, hence the Mayfield trade.
The Competition For The Starting QB Role Is Over
It would be shocking if Mayfield did not become the top quarterback because he helped the Browns become relevant again.
He brought stability to a team that won one game in two seasons and led them to their first playoff appearance since 2002.
Mayfield also led the Browns over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2020 Wild Card Round, the team’s first postseason win since 1994.
But if Fitterer and head coach Matt Rhule are thinking about job security, Mayfield is that guy that can prolong their tenure in Carolina.
Finally, wouldn’t the Panthers want to have him start against his former team to open the season?
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