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After a long-drawn-out process, the Cleveland Browns finally found a trade partner for Baker Mayfield. According to reports, the Browns agreed to trade the quarterback to the Carolina Panthers.
The trade is reportedly for a conditional 2024 fifth-round draft pick, which is not a steep price for a starting quarterback.
NFL fans were quick to react to the news, with some in shock that Sam Darnold went for more than Mayfield did. For reference, Darnold was traded to the Panthers in 2021 in exchange for a 2021 sixth-round pick and second and fourth-round picks in 2022.
An NFL fan charted what the Panthers' new offense could look like with Mayfield.
A Miami Dolphins fan pointed out that Panthers wideout Robby Anderson didn't want this deal to happen.
A New Orleans Saints follower believes Mayfield was worth a lot more than what the Panthers gave up.
A Minnesota Vikings fan believes Mayfield will make Cleveland regret this trade.
Why did Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers make the trade?
The Cleveland Browns actively sought a trade for Baker Mayfield after they landed Deshaun Watson earlier in the offseason. This prompted the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner to request a move.
Mayfield refused to play for the Browns again, which forced their hand. Despite the impending suspension for Deshaun Watson, the Browns knew they couldn't hold onto Mayfield any longer.
They did not get much in return for Mayfield and will also have to pay most of his salary. However, they had no choice other than to cut ties and take whatever they could get.
Carolina made the trade because they lacked a solid quarterback. When head coach Matt Rhule was hired, he essentially cleaned house, cutting franchise icon Cam Newton. They signed Teddy Bridgewater the same day.
Bridgewater didn't pan out, so Rhule and company sent him to Denver and traded three picks. This included a second-round pick to the Jets for Sam Darnold.
Darnold was perhaps even worse than Bridgewater was. The Panthers then tried re-signing Cam Newton late last season and that didn't work out either.
With the seat warming under Rhule, he knew he needed a dependable quarterback. Fortunately for him, a former Heisman winner in Mayfield became available.
To make things even better, the Panthers barely gave up anything in exchange. We'll see if this trade pays off this time around.
