Panthers 'haven't had any conversations recently' about trading for a QB?

After the Cleveland Browns landed ex-Houston Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson via a blockbuster trade last week, The Athletic's Jeff Howe reported this past Monday the camp for former Cleveland starter Baker Mayfield had, at that time, "had preliminary discussions" with the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers about a potential move. 

The Panthers reportedly aren't interested in trading for the No. 1 pick from the 2018 NFL Draft, and the Seahawks may be waiting to see if Cleveland offers to eat some of the $18.858 million in fully guaranteed money owed to Mayfield for the 2022 season. 

Per David Bonilla of 49ers WebZone, Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer told reporters Friday that he hasn't "had any conversations recently with teams about" trading for a veteran such as Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Francisco 49ers. "I think we'll explore every option, whether it's the draft or trades. It's just the team has to call you, and no one's called us recently about that," Fitterer explained. 

Fitterer also hinted that Sam Darnold would be his starter if Carolina had to take the field today but also said that Cam Newton could return after he was benched in favor of the underwhelming Darnold in December. 

The Panthers own the sixth overall selection in the upcoming draft, and three different CBS Sports analysts predicted in their latest mock drafts that Carolina will use that asset to acquire former Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett.