Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Panthers reportedly 'in no rush' to trade for Browns' Baker Mayfield

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/6/22

The fact there continues to be no real news about any team potentially trading for Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield ahead of the start of summer may say plenty about how Mayfield is viewed around the NFL.

It may also suggest clubs believe Cleveland will ultimately cut Mayfield ahead of the preseason.

For a piece published earlier on Monday, The Athletic's Joseph Person noted that the Carolina Panthers and Browns "remain in a holding pattern on Mayfield — really, more of a game of chicken" over the $18.858 million of fully guaranteed salary owed to the 27-year-old for 2022.

In short, the Panthers still want the Browns "to pick up a significant portion of Mayfield’s salary" now that Cleveland has Deshaun Watson serving as its new QB1. The Browns, meanwhile, haven't yet offered to do so, presumably because they're convinced Carolina won't enter August with Sam Darnold and third-round draft pick Matt Corral as its top options at the sport's most important position.

On Monday afternoon, CBS Sports' Josina Anderson explained that Carolina "is in no rush" to trade for Mayfield and that the franchises aren't close to coming to any agreement:

As of this morning I heard there was no substantive moves towards a deal between the #Panthers and the #Browns for QB Baker Mayfield. My impression continues to be that Carolina is in no rush, nor are they pressed. I’ve also continued to say it’s easier to be that way in June. https://t.co/JnAZbhw5p7
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) June 6, 2022

Interestingly, Person added in his piece that "there are concerns within the Panthers organization about the health of" San Francisco 49ers signal-caller Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo underwent surgery on his throwing shoulder in March and has been excused from attending San Francisco's mandatory minicamp this week as he continues his recovery.

The Browns have journeyman Jacoby Brissett preparing to start in case the NFL suspends Watson over the 24 active civil lawsuits he's facing regarding allegations of sexual misconduct, but Anderson insists that doesn't mean Cleveland will release Mayfield anytime soon:

Don’t expect Baker Mayfield to be cut, per several tweets on this. Mayfield’s salary is guaranteed for injury, cap & skill. Makes 0 sense to get nothing for Mayfield one way or the other, when Cleveland pays regardless. Also, I believe it’s in Baker’s interest to play it cool rn. https://t.co/TZuVROQRwP
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) June 6, 2022