The Carolina Panthers waited . . . until they couldn’t wait anymore.
As first reported by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Panthers have agreed to a trade with the Cleveland Browns for Baker Mayfield.
The 2018 first overall selection suddenly became available a few months back following Cleveland’s blockbuster deal for former Houston Texans passer Deshaun Watson. He’ll now join fellow 2018 draftee Sam Darnold, who was taken two picks later that year by the New York Jets, as well as Matt Corral and PJ Walker in Carolina’s quarterback room.
Mayfield has pieced together a largely mediocre career to this point, or at least mediocre enough for the Browns to have given Watson the world. Over the 59 starts in his four pro seasons, the former Heisman Trophy winner has thrown for 14,125 yards (235.4 per game) with 92 touchdowns and 56 interceptions.
Funnily (or sadly) enough, the Panthers now wind up with the guy who was dumped for the guy they actually wanted in what’ll be their third retread project in as many seasons.
