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The Carolina Panthers traded for quarterback Baker Mayfield to improve their depth chart at the position.
In return, the Cleveland Browns receive a conditional fifth-round pick which could become a fourth-rounder if Mayfield plays 70 percent of the snaps.
Given his skill and playoff experience, it seems like he will be the team’s starting quarterback for 2022.
After all, there’s no sense in trading for him if he will be the backup.
But if Mayfield does not play to expectations, the Panthers could look at other options like P.J. Walker and Sam Darnold.
Darnold hasn’t proven his worth yet, especially after his blunders last season.
However, the team might consider having rookie Matt Corral as their starter.
The former Ole Miss standout was selected by Carolina in the third round of the 2022 draft.
Based on this video, he has no problems dropping dimes to his receivers.
That’s a dot from rookie QB @corral_matt 🎯
(via @Panthers) pic.twitter.com/oePeiaxOX7
— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2022
Corral caught Derek Wright in stride which led to a touchdown pass.
Doing more of those plays at training camp could change the mind of head coach Matt Rhule regarding his starter.
But then again, that play happened without much pressure from other defenders.
Therefore, it remains to be seen if he can execute the same plays when the stakes are higher.
Corral As The Quarterback Of The Future
For now, Mayfield will most likely take over the starting role because he has the best resume among the lot.
He has an ace that Corral, Darnold, and Walker do not have: a playoff victory.
But Corral was Second-Team All-SEC last season and that achievement will only grow his confidence.
If he can execute that play with Wright in-game, he could take over from Mayfield in no time.