Report: Carolina Panthers remain interested in trading for Baker Mayfield, Jimmy Garoppolo

The Carolina Panthers in Cleveland Browns failed to agree to a trade to send Cleveland’s disgruntled quarterback Baker Mayfield to Carolina. But, just because the two sides could not agree to a trade before does not mean the likelihood of a deal between them is dead. According to a recent report courtesy of the AP’s Steve Reed, the Panthers remain interested in trading for Baker Mayfield and San Fransisco quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

“As I’ve reported several times, the Panthers are still interested in Mayfield/Garoppolo at QB, but in order for a trade to take place, the other team would have to agree to pick up a large portion of their salary. Nothing has changed on that front for weeks,” wrote Reed via Twitter.

Reed’s report aligns with previous reports that one of the biggest hang-ups on the Panthers trading for either quarterback is the money. The Browns are unwilling to trade Mayfield if the team they are trading him to is unwilling to pick up most, or all, of his $18 million contract for the upcoming season. Head coach Matt Rhule believed that the quarterback position was a need heading into the NFL draft. And they addressed that need in the third round by taking former Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral. However, if Rhule wants to have a successful season and keep his job as Carolina’s head coach, the Panthers might have to work out a trade for either quarterback and take on their contract.

Panthers Matt Rhule on what it’s like finally having a normal rookie minicamp after Covid

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule is getting his first taste of what the NFL offseason is like. When the Panthers’ head coach took over the reins in January of 2020, he had to learn what it takes to be an NFL head coach well navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Fast for today, and Rhule gives his thoughts on what it’s like finally having a normal rookie minicamp after Covid.

“It’s really important and I can’t remember how it happened last year. And it’s also the first time I’ve had the rookie mini camp while we’re actually on the field practicing football, at the same time,” said Rhule. “Maybe last year was the same. But I’ve had a couple weeks now watching us practice. So as I’m sitting there watching the guys out there who are trying out I can compare them in my brain to everything that we’re doing right now.”

During the 2020 offseason, the NFL offseason process was almost completely wiped out courtesy of the COVID-19 pandemic. No rookie minicamps were held or offseason training camps. In 2021 offseason camps returned; however, some teams did all they could to limit the spread of the virus. One of those things was keeping training and limiting full-team workouts.