The Carolina Panthers have somewhat addressed their uncertainty at quarterback by trading for Baker Mayfield.
It took a while before they dealt with the issue and even drafting Matt Corral wasn’t a complete solution.
It’s a gamble worth taking because they only gave up a conditional fifth-rounder in the 2024 NFL Draft to get him.
Likewise, the Cleveland Browns’ desperation to trade him was revealed as the Panthers will only pay $5 million of his $18.8 million salary this season.
The Browns will pay $10 million and Mayfield can earn the rest through incentives.
However, trading for Mayfield forces everyone to acknowledge a previous report by Chris Mortensen saying that the Browns wanted an “adult in the room” at quarterback.
But it seems like there are no concerns in Carolina based on what General Manager Scott Fitterer said recently.
Panthers GM Scott Fitterer was asked about a #Browns source, per @mortreport, saying back in March that they wanted an "adult in the room" at QB. Fitterer: "A lot of people went to bat for Baker (in Carolina's research) … we're very comfortable with Baker."
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) July 12, 2022
ESPN’s Jake Trotter quoted Fitterer who said, “A lot of people went to bat for Baker (in Carolina’s research) … we’re very comfortable with Baker.”
If they are comfortable with Mayfield, why not trade for him earlier?
Did they wait to see what they had in Corral before agreeing to a trade?
Or is this move done in self-preservation by Fitterer and head coach Matt Rhule?
They are both on the hot seat after consecutive five-win seasons.
Mayfield gives them a better chance to win and greater odds to retain their jobs.
Who Vouched For Mayfield?
Of course, there are people who will say nice things about him because he is a competitor.
Likewise, he helped bring stability to a franchise that hasn’t had much success in decades.
But there are also those who regard him as someone who divides the locker room.
Therefore, if possible, it would be nice to know the people who vouched for him.
Only then can we know the weight of their words.
Or maybe, they were saying nice things about Mayfield to entice the Panthers into trading for him.
NEXT: Baker Mayfield Comments On Staying True To Himself