Report: NFL insider reveals the latest regarding Panthers interest in Baker Mayfield

If Baker Mayfield is traded before Thursday’s NFL Draft, it won’t be to the Carolina Panthers. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Panthers aren’t expected to trade for the embattled Cleveland Browns quarterback before Thursday’s NFL Draft, if Carolina wants to trade for him 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,” tweeted Rapoport. “Thursday has to play out first, before any other options are considered. Carolina picks No. 6.”

With a hole at quarterback remaining, Mayfield has been theorized to have a perfect landing spot with the Panthers. However, neither side seem to be enthused about a possible partnership. Earlier this month, it was reported that there was a “mutual disinterest” between the former Oklahoma star quarterback and Carolina.

If the Panthers don’t opt to trade for Mayfield, his list of suitors loses another team. The Seattle Seahawks could always make a play, but the re-signing of quarterback Geno Smith threw a wrench into the idea. On the other hand, a team like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could come into play, but Mayfield would have to accept a backup role, something he may not be thrilled with.

Time will tell where Baker Mayfield plays his football in 2022. With the NFL Draft beginning on Thursday, the answer could become clear in the coming days.

Baker Mayfield on Browns, Deshaun Watson trade: ‘I feel disrespected’

Baker Mayfield is still a member of the Cleveland Browns, but in his mind he’s already off the roster. The former Oklahoma star and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback joined the Ya Never Know Podcast to speak about how he feels disrespected by the Browns after giving them everything, only for Cleveland to turn around and trade for Deshaun Watson.

“I really, truly, honestly have no regrets of my time in Cleveland of what I tried to give to that place,” started Mayfield, speaking about his time with the Browns. “True Clevelanders and true Browns fans know that. That’s why I can walk away from the whole situation feeling like I did it.”

While Mayfield has problems with the Browns front office, he still has love for Cleveland. Still, that love isn’t enough to overshadow the disrespect he feels.

“Yeah, the respect thing is like, it’s all going to be like a personal opinion,” responded Mayfield, when asked if he felt slighted by the Browns. “I feel disrespected. 100%. Because I was told one thing, and they completely did another. That’s what I’m in the middle of right now. You know what, okay, I got my taste of it. Because I’ve had four different head coaches in four years. A bunch of different offensive coordinators. I’ve had, we can talk about the highs — they always come back. They always come back. But like, I had great times my rookie year. I didn’t start in the beginning, I came in and got to have fun the back-half of the year. 2019 sucked. 2020 was great, made the playoffs. 2021 was miserable.

“I’m just looking for stabilization right now. I know what I need to do for me to be the best version of me, and to lead an organization. I’m in a good place right now, where I have no clue where I’m going.”

The football world will keep an eye on what happens with Baker Mayfield, but one thing is for sure — the quarterback time in Cleveland is dead and buried in his mind.