Well, Baker Mayfield and the Carolina Panthers gave it the good ol’ college try. But, this relationship was simply not to be.
On Monday morning, the team cut ties with the fifth-year quarterback—a decision that has been described as a “mutual agreement.” Mayfield, instead of settling into the bottom of the depth chart, asked for his release and the Panthers, obviously, have obliged.
So, what does this mean for Carolina?
For one, it means PJ Walker is officially the backup to starter Sam Darnold. Walker’s Wally Pipp’ing of Mayfield began back in Week 6, after the former No. 1 overall pick sustained a high-ankle sprain in what would be Matt Rhule’s final game with the franchise.
In another immediate piece of aftermath, the Panthers could be off the hook for the rest of Mayfield’s 2022 salary. If he is claimed off waivers, the team will not have to foot the bill for the remaining $1.34 million of his agreement.
Carolina will also not be sending a higher draft pick to the Cleveland Browns. With Mayfield playing under 70 percent of the offense’s snaps this season, the conditional 2024 selection will remain a fifth-rounder and not jump to a fourth.
As for Mayfield, who will try to find an opportunity for playing time elsewhere, he might be at the mercy of the waiver order—beginning with the 1-10-1 Houston Texans. Some potential landing spots may include those Texans, the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers.
