Matt Rhule’s Carolina Panthers may not be able to afford another mistake under center. So it’s probably best, unlike they had in the previous two offseasons, that they continue to take a methodical approach in finding their quarterback.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, that’s exactly what they’ll keep on doing. Rapoport noted on Monday that the Panthers will not attempt a trade for disgruntled Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield prior to the 2022 draft’s first round, if at all.
The #Panthers are not expected to trade for #Browns QB Baker Mayfield prior to the first round of the NFL Draft, sources say, if they do it at all. Thursday has to play out first, before any other options are considered. Carolina picks No. 6.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2022
This latest bit of the Mayfield saga jives with what team beat writer Sheena Quick broke last week. Quick also reported that a deal for the former No. 1 overall pick would be highly unlikely before the draft, as Carolina has continued to exhaust numerous options to solve their longstanding problem at the position.
Potential “solutions,” at least on Thursday, include Liberty’s Malik Willis, Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett, Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder and Mississippi’s Matt Corral.
