Baker Mayfield is finally traded to the Carolina Panthers, but it has come at a price. The former Browns’ QB agreed to a significant pay cut on his salary for the deal to go through. Analysts are reflecting on the current Panthers’ QB, Sam Darnold, and his $19 million contract that must have stood in Mayfield’s way. As a result, it irks Mayfield’s fans that Darnold is more valuable to the Panthers than Baker.

In the show Undisputed with Skip and Shannon, the hosts discuss the trade and its obstacles. Skip Bayless, a long-time NFL analyst, slams the situation of the Panthers with Sam Darnold. Consequently, he identifies it as a major bottleneck for Baker Mayfield in finalizing his trade with Carolina. In early July, the QB agreed to take a $3 million cut on his salary to finalize the trade.

Further, the Carolina Panthers had to trade a second-rounder, a fourth-rounder, and a sixth-rounder to acquire Sam Darnold. As per Skip, even though the Panthers have signed Mayfield, the team is invested in Darnold’s development. Earlier, Robbie Anderson, Panthers’ WR remarked, that he didn’t feel Sam’s development was done correctly.

Sam Darnold is getting his $19 million out of his contract with a fifth-year option. The QB’s contract was bound to stand in the way of the former Browns‘ QB. Mayfield looked to move on from his former team, citing disappointment with the management. In addition, Bayless dissected the whole situation.

What did Skip Bayless say to analyze the trade of Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold’s contract situation?

Taking a cut in salary is not an easy pill to digest and Mayfield had to settle for less. Skip said, “They invested in a second-rounder, a fourth-rounder, and a sixth-rounder to acquire Sam Darnold. Right now their pride is invested in Sam Darnold because they also guaranteed it was their fifth-year option. But they gave him the $19 million this year.”

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He added saying, “They guaranteed Sam Darnold. You’re a guy who’s a flat-out bust is guaranteed $19 million by the Carolina Panthers. So what do you think they want to happen in week 1? They want to make Sam Darnold a success.” 

What happens between Baker and Darnold is of much concern to the new QB’s fans. Given Mayfield’s reputation, it is very likely that he is going to start for the Panthers. However, given how invested the Panthers are in Sam Darnold, it is a dilemma and a story waiting to be unfurled.

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