The number of potential Jimmy Garoppolo destinations might now stand at one.
That’s the updated situation after Wednesday morning’s report that the Panthers have traded for former first-overall pick Baker Mayfield from the Browns, in exchange for a 2024 fifth-round pick that could convert to a fourth based on playing time. Making the deal even more interesting, the Browns and Panthers will face each other in Week 1.
With Carolina no longer in need of a QB, that leaves the Browns, who are expected to be without Deshaun Watson for at least a good chunk of the season due to suspension, as the lone team that might still be looking to upgrade at the position. Garoppolo’s former teammate Jacoby Brissett is currently behind Watson on Cleveland’s depth chart.
In order to get this deal done, the Panthers and Browns split the payment of the remaining year of Mayfield’s contract, with Mayfield also agreeing to cut salary. The Browns will reportedly pay $10.5 million, Panthers around $5 million and Mayfield agreed to cut $3.5 million off his salary.
The divvying up of salary could also be something the 49ers offer in a potential Garoppolo trade, considering he has a $24.2 million in base salary next season. The 49ers could also cut Garoppolo if they can’t find a suitor.
For what it’s worth, Garoppolo has a better career record, completion percentage and passer rating than Mayfield, who has battled with wild inconsistency throughout his career while dealing with injuries. The Browns had one winning season (11-5 in 2020) in four with Mayfield at the helm.