After a lot hypothesis, the Browns have formally shipped former No. 1 general choose, Baker Mayfield, to the Carolina Panthers in alternate for a conditional 2024 fifth-round choose.
In lower than 5 years, Mayfield has gone from Heisman Trophy winner to first general choose to Offensive Rookie of the 12 months runner-up to Cleveland’s savior to feuding along with his prime wideout to draft bust to combating for a beginning spot with Sam Darnold. It’s been a wild trip.
It’s humorous—Mayfield and Darnold had been the primary two quarterbacks chosen within the 2018 NFL draft. Mayfield was clearly the primary general choose and Darnold was the third choose. Giants’ operating again Saquon Barkley separated the 2. Nonetheless, this isn’t the primary time the primary two quarterbacks taken in the identical draft ended up taking part in on the identical workforce. The final time it occurred was in 1991 when 1988 draftees Chris Chandler and Tom Tupa each wound up on the then Phoenix Cardinals. Chandler began the season as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers however joined the Cardinals in Week 11, the ultimate sport that Tupa began for the Cardinals that 12 months. Chandler would begin the ultimate two video games of the common season for Phoenix. That’s not essential although.
What’s essential is how this can have an effect on the Panthers and Browns. The Browns have some huge balls to tug off a transfer like this. With the entire Deshaun Watson scenario up within the air nonetheless, the truth that the Browns had been prepared to ship Mayfield, somebody who is aware of their system and has even led the workforce to a postseason victory earlier than, away…that’s gutsy, and possibly a horrible transfer on condition that the following man in line is Jacoby Brissett. Maybe the NFL will shift course and resolve to not droop Watson for the whole 2022 season, however even when the suspension is six video games, meaning Watson can be pressured to overlook video games in opposition to the Chargers, Steelers, Patriots, and paradoxically, the Carolina Panthers (extra on that in a second). At finest, the Browns might begin the season 4-2 then get Watson again for the hardest a part of their schedule—at Baltimore, Cincinnati, at Miami, at Buffalo, Tampa Bay, at his former workforce Houston (gotta have a gimme in there someplace), at Cincinnati, Baltimore, and New Orleans. Mainly, Watson would instantly get thrown into the fireplace and 4-2 of their first six video games won’t minimize it. After all, that is all underneath the presumption that Watson is simply suspended for six video games, which appears extremely unlikely at this level. Something extra and Browns’ followers can kiss their playoff hopes goodbye.
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As for the Panthers, Mayfield is a marginal improve over Darnold. Nonetheless, given Mayfield’s historical past with upsetting star receivers, there’s at all times an opportunity that Mayfield might begin wanting away from DJ Moore, opting as an alternative for guys like Terrace Marshall or Robby Anderson. Moore did signal a huge contract extension previous to the season although, so maybe he’ll give Mayfield a little bit extra leeway than OBJ did. Mayfield already has a historical past with the Panthers’ No. 2 receiver Robbie Anderson. In April of this 12 months, when it was first reported that Mayfield’s almost definitely touchdown spot was Carolina, Anderson commented “Nooooo” on an Instagram put up relaying that info. That’s 5 O’s price of “no.” Then, when pushed on the topic, Anderson doubled down, commenting “Info.”
What I’m most frightened about is Mayfield’s pocket presence behind a subpar offensive line although. Mayfield has had the luxurious of taking part in behind among the finest O-lines in soccer for many of his profession. In 2021, Cleveland had the finest run-blocking line within the NFL, and whereas their pass-blocking stats left quite a bit to be desired, a lot of these figures could be blamed on Mayfield’s lack of understanding, in addition to the absence of each Jedrick Wills Jr. and Jack Conklin for a lot of the season. Even with these absences, Professional Soccer Focus ranked the Browns’ O-line because the eighth-best within the NFL following the 2021 season. In each different 12 months of Mayfield’s profession, the Browns have ranked top-20 in adjusted sack price. Since 2019, the Panthers have by no means completed higher than twentieth in adjusted sack price simply as soon as.
The Panthers made an effort to enhance their offensive line in the course of the offseason, however a rookie at left sort out in all probability isn’t going to be sufficient to beat all of the deficiencies that unit displayed final 12 months. It’s going to undoubtedly assist, but it surely in all probability gained’t cloak all the opposite holes, particularly in a division that options Shaq Barrett, Cameron Jordan, and Grady Jarrett.
Even when Christian McCaffrey is wholesome for the whole season, it’s unlikely to assist Mayfield’s play. The Browns have had one of the vital formidable speeding assaults within the NFL the previous couple of years, and but Mayfield has continued to appear like a moist noodle throwing duck after duck behind the road of scrimmage. It’s clear that a terrific operating sport gained’t assist Mayfield sufficient to make the Panthers playoff contenders.
The largest loser on this commerce needs to be Matt Rhule although. I don’t must remind anyone how scorching his seat is. There are a lot of individuals who assume he would be the first head coach fired within the upcoming season. The addition of Mayfield will solely expedite his departure. If the Panthers battle with Darnold underneath middle, followers will begin clamoring for Mayfield to take over the beginning position. Then, when the Panthers inevitably proceed to crumble with Mayfield at quarterback, the blame will rightfully shift to Rhule. Possibly Matt Corral can emerge as a top-tier expertise and save Rhule’s job, however I wouldn’t guess on it. There’s gotta be a cause why he fell up to now within the draft.
If Mayfield does earn the beginning spot for the Panthers Week 1, he’ll instantly get a shot at revenge because the Panthers will host the Browns. If Jacoby Brissett is beginning for the Browns, then it’s very seemingly that Carolina walks away with the dub. Simply think about the shade Mayfield would throw on the Browns if he gained, that might be a legendary day on Twitter. That being stated, even with Brissett at QB, the Browns would put up an excellent battle. The Panthers don’t boast a defensive position that may compete with the expertise on the Browns’ offensive line. I really like me some Brian Burns and Derrick Brown, however I really like me some Wills, Conklin, Bitonio, and Wyatt Teller extra. However for the sake of Mayfield’s pettiness, I hope the Panthers pull it out.
