These are the grades for the Panthers and Browns in the Baker Mayfield trade, which was completed on July 6, 2022.
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Panthers acquire QB Baker Mayfield from Browns for 2024 conditional 5th-round pick
It was only a matter of time before Baker Mayfield was moved to the Panthers, Seahawks or Lions. The Browns signed Deshaun Watson to a mega deal, so they angered their former quarterback, losing all leverage with him in the process. The only question was whether Mayfield would be traded or cut.
The Panthers traded for Mayfield, giving up just a conditional fifth-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Of course, the main concern is Mayfield’s contract, which is the primary reason Cleveland received so little in return. The Panthers didn’t want to fully pay Mayfield’s contract, and understandably so. They will not be doing that, as the Browns and Panthers have agreed to split the finances.
This is an enormous deal for the Panthers, who automatically become a Super Bowl contender in the wake of this trade. Mayfield struggled last year, but only because he suffered two shoulder injuries in a span of four weeks. Mayfield will rebound to 2020 levels, especially with Carolina’s superior supporting cast. The Panthers did a great job of bolstering their offensive line this offseason, and they’ll have Christian McCaffrey returning from injury as well. Sam Darnold was holding the team back, so Mayfield will be a huge upgrade.
As for the Browns, they can’t be graded highly at all. It made sense for them to trade Mayfield, but only because of other blunders they made along the way. As mentioned earlier, they had no leverage. They’ve gotten almost nothing for their franchise quarterback, and they have to foot half the bill.
Grade for Panthers – A+
Grade for Browns – D-
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