The Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers continue their dance that started earlier this offseason. The Browns and Panthers couldn’t come to a trade agreement for QB Baker Mayfield during the NFL draft which then saw Carolina trade up for QB Matt Corral.
The problem for the Panthers is that most believe Corral is not ready to start right away and incumbent Sam Darnold proved last year that he was not at that level either. With Matt Rhule entering his third season with a combined 10-23 record, winning has to start or his NFL career could be cut short quite quickly.
Right now, Jimmy Garoppolo and Mayfield are considered the best two options on the market but neither has been traded by their teams. While polled believe both could be released, it seems Cleveland and Carolina are still discussing a trade with the Panthers now having some ‘urgency’ to get it done:
There’s urgency on Carolina’s side to execute the deal soon so Mayfield can get some time in minicamp with the Panthers. For the Browns, it’s the best offer they have. Talks ongoing.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) June 14, 2022
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The Athletic’s Joe Person confirmed Jones’ report.
While it may have seemed that the Browns lacked leverage, Carolina’s desire to get him in may help with that. At some point, the Panthers may decide to end the discussions and move on to Garoppolo or with what they have on the roster but it doesn’t seem like that is their plan.
Perhaps the pending trade is what led Robbie Anderson to tweet then delete that he was pondering retirement:
Now we know why. pic.twitter.com/B9sdmiOBKD
— Colb (@___Colb___) June 14, 2022
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As you’ll recall, Anderson was skeptical of Mayfield earlier this offseason.
Cleveland and Carolina continue their discussions with money still playing a huge role. At this point, it seems more like a matter of time before the starting quarterback against the Browns in Week 1 is their former starter, former top overall pick and former Heisman Trophy winner.