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Now that quarterback Baker Mayfield has passed his physicals and the deal that sends him to the Panthers is official, more details are beginning to emerge about the process that got him out of Cleveland.
One item comes from TheAthletic.com’s Zac Jackson and Joe Person, who compiled a timeline of trade talks between the Browns and Panthers. According to their report, the two teams agreed to draft compensation in May and early June — Carolina will send Cleveland a conditional fifth-round pick that will become a fourth-round pick if Mayfield plays 70 percent of the Panthers’ offensive snaps.
But Mayfield’s salary continued to be an obstacle. According to the report, the Panthers initially wanted Mayfield to take a pay cut of more than $7 million. But Mayfield was only willing to give up $3.5 million of his $18.86 million guaranteed salary.
Head coach Matt Rhule and general manager Scott Fitterer wanted Mayfield to be part of Carolina’s minicamp to learn offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s scheme. But Panthers owner David Tepper reportedly didn’t want to overpay for Mayfield, who he considered a depreciating asset.
The Panthers eventually got the deal done, working out a contract that allows Mayfield to earn back his surrendered $3.5 million in incentives. This allowed the parties to agree on the deal on July 5, with the announcement of its termination on July 6.
The Browns pick up $10.5 million of Mayfield’s salary in 2022, with Carolina paying $4.86 million.
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