The Carolina Panthers improved their quarterback depth chart by trading for Baker Mayfield.
In return, they gave up 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 in the upcoming season.
He would likely reach that mark because he seems to be the projected starter over Sam Darnold, Matt Corral, and P.J. Walker.
Likewise, the Panthers did not spend a fortune in getting Mayfield because they will be paying only $5 million of his $18.8 million base salary in 2022.
However, the former Cleveland Browns play-caller could earn over $3 million in incentives.
The Panthers hope that the former first overall pick could help turn their fortunes around, especially after consecutive five-win seasons.
They haven’t entered the playoffs since 2017 and haven’t won a postseason game since 2015 when they played in Super Bowl 50.
Since then, the team’s fortunes have gone south and they are bringing in Mayfield to possibly reverse the trend.
But for the former Oklahoma standout to play at his best, he had to own the jersey number given to him since he was a walk-on in Norman.
Therefore, he had to strike a deal with Panthers punter Johnny Hekker who might have given a hint on what he got in return.
— Johnny Hekker (@JHekker) July 12, 2022
Hekker tweeted a GIF of comedian Dave Chappelle holding on to a stack of cash.
Therefore, it’s possible that Mayfield paid a huge sum to get the number six.
Mayfield Has A Big Challenge In Front Of Him
While he loves a tough battle, he will be in for a lot of those challenging moments when he faces division rivals in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints.
Their games with the Atlanta Falcons could also be toss-ups.
Therefore, Mayfield has to stir the pot to make their offense work.
A healthy Christian McCaffrey will help their chances.
But more importantly, Mayfield must develop a connection with his receivers, especially Robby Anderson who initially had an adverse reaction to the potential joining of Mayfield in Carolina.
NEXT: The Panthers Won't Have A QB Competition For Long