Baker Mayfield rumors: Panthers make their move with Seahawks stalling

The Seattle Seahawks might’ve missed their chance to acquire Browns QB Baker Mayfield, so the Panthers are making a move.

The Seahawks were long considered the frontrunner for Mayfield, but that may no longer be the case. The Carolina Panthers — also in need of a quarterback — have upped their interest of late.

On the Pat McAfee show this week, Ian Rapoport stated that the Seahawks have never really been all that keen on Baker, instead relinquishing any interest in favor of a Geno Smith vs Drew Lock quarterback competition. While neither of those options sounds particularly good, that’s Pete Carroll’s preference.

Instead, it’s Carolina which could pull the trigger for Mayfield when this is all said and done:

"“You know, obviously, it’s been the Carolina Panthers that have been most aggressive. I know most people thought a deal would happen by the end of minicamp. It did not. So we’ll see, as we get closer to camp, if things pick back up. If a trade is going to happen, it’s probably going to happen before training camp at some point.”"

Baker Mayfield rumors: As training camp nears, Panthers maintain interest

While the Seahawks have by far been the more reported destination, Rapoport continued to sway any potential interest to Carolina, instead.

"“It is not right. There’s a couple times a year this happens where you get like an Internet rumor that kinda takes on a life of its own. And believe me, I always check. And I’ve heard nothing to corroborate Baker to the Seahawks at all. And, like, I don’t know what’s gonna happen at the end of all this. Like, maybe this guy announces he’s trolling us. It seems crazy to me, but they have never really been that interested in Baker. What they have wanted is a Drew Lock vs. Geno Smith battle.”"

Baker is going to have to wait awhile longer until Cleveland and Carolina can match up the salary intake, but it still feels guaranteed he will not be a member of the Browns roster come the start of the regular season.