Why New Panthers' QB Baker Mayfield Was Always Favored To Be Dealt Before Jimmy Garoppolo

The Panthers reportedly traded for embattled Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield on Wednesday in exchange for a 2024 5th round draft pick. 

Baker Mayfield Update

Mayfield's market slowed for most of the offseason after the former No. 1 overall pick underwent left shoulder surgery on January 19. 

The rambunctious 27-year-old was always likely to be traded to a new team before fellow injured quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, according to the ProFootballDocs. 

Mayfield suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder attempting a tackle after throwing an interception in Week 2. 

Mayfield elected to play through the injury but it lingered throughout the season and severely impacted his performance.

Even with the struggles, however, Mayfield was always better set up to be the centerpiece of a trade because of the location of the injury. 

Mayfield's labrum surgery was to repair his non-throwing shoulder and teams would not have concern about his ability to throw the ball. He will likely be better than his trade value as he will enter the 2022 season healthy. 

The 49ers' signal-caller, conversely, had surgery on his right shoulder and will have to prove to teams he can still efficiently throw the ball before they trade for him. 

Mayfield missed Week 7 and Week 15 before being shut down after a Week 17 loss to the Steelers knocked the Browns out of the playoffs. 

His play suffered more as the season progressed as Mayfield failed to post a passer rating above 91.9 after Week 9 and finished the season with 17 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a career-worst 35.1 QBR and 7.2 yards per attempt.

Fantasy And Betting Impact

Mayfield will move from the run-heavy and receiver-short Browns' offense to the Christian McCaffrey show. 

The dominant running back, if healthy, will help Mayfield the same way he has Cam Newton, Kyle Allen, and Teddy Bridgewater over the past few years, as Sports Injury Central detailed earlier this offseason. 

FanDuel has tentatively set the projected over/under for Panthers wins at 6.5, with over 6.5 at +105. 

The former top pick is listed at +1000 to win comeback player of the year, behind his new backfield mate at +700, Jameis Winston at +550, and Derrick Henry at +400.