Baker Mayfield Trade to Panthers Offers Huge Betting Upside for D.J. Moore in Carolina
By Ben Heisler
Earlier this offseason, Carolina Panthers wide receiver D.J. Moore inked a new 4-year contract to remain in Charlotte before knowing who their starting quarterback for 2022 would be.
Now, he's got his money; $73 million over four years, including $41.61 million guaranteed while also obtaining the most talented quarterback he's played with in his time with the franchise.
First reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Panthers swung a deal on Wednesday with the Cleveland Browns to acquire former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield in exchange for a conditional 2024 fifth-round pick. It's a rapid fall from grace for the former Oklahoma star, who just took his team to the postseason back in 2020.
A year ago, Baker Mayfield was coming off winning a playoff game and guiding his team to a double digit win season. Now he's being traded for a conditional 5th round pick. Things move fast in the league.
— Carrington Harrison (@cdotharrison) July 6, 2022
Even in a down 2021 season, Mayfield still threw for over 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns to 13 interceptions. Last year, the entire Panthers' roster finished with just 3,573 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and 21 picks.
Mayfield was the top selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, and will now compete with No. 3 overall pick from the same draft, Sam Darnold, as well as 2022 third round pick Matt Corral. The Panthers under head coach Matt Rhule have gone 10-23 over his first two seasons.
D.J. Moore Set to Explode with Baker Mayfield at Quarterback
Right now at several sportsbooks, Moore's total receiving yards for 2022 is set anywhere between 1,075.5 and 1,100.5 yards, while also at 4.5 receiving touchdowns; juiced to the over at DraftKings at -125, compared to -105 for the under.
Despite all the uncertainty at the position, Moore completed his third straight season with over 1,157 yards, while also setting a season high 93 receptions in 2021. He also finished his third season in a row with four receiving touchdowns.
With Mayfield throwing him the football, Moore, if healthy should clear both numbers with ease.
We know DJ Moore consistently sits at 4 touchdowns.
— Adam Pfeifer (@APfeifer24) July 6, 2022
In 2021, the Panthers averaged the 8th-fewest plays (5.8) and 3rd-fewest yards (26.0) per drive.
Baker Mayfield should be able to sustain drives better than Sam Darnold.
DJ Moore 🚀
Panthers Host Browns in Week 1 of NFL Season
To make the drama even more enticing, Carolina hosts Cleveland to begin the 2022 NFL season, giving Mayfield an immediate opportunity to extract revenge against his former team.
The Browns opened as a 4.5-point road underdog at consensus books, but the game is currently off the board.