Panthers not 'overly enthusiastic about' trading for Browns' Baker Mayfield?

The Carolina Panthers were linked with disgruntled Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield through and even past the first round of last month's NFL Draft. Instead they ultimately acquired former Ole Miss signal-caller Matt Corral in the third round of the player-selection process.

It's been thought that decision wouldn't prevent the Panthers from taking Mayfield or the $18.858 million of fully guaranteed salary for 2022 attached to his contract, but it appears Carolina isn't all that interested in giving Cleveland any assets for the 2018 first overall draft choice. 

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Panthers "hadn't been overly enthusiastic about trading for Mayfield from the beginning" even though the 27-year-old "was open to Carolina, mainly for any chance to play elsewhere." Fowler added that "only a fantastic deal from Cleveland — with much of Mayfield's $18.8 million salary covered by the Browns — could have moved Carolina on this."  

The Browns landed star quarterback Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans in a blockbuster March trade and seemingly have no desire to play Mayfield even if Watson is suspended over the 22 civil lawsuits he's facing regarding allegations of sexual misconduct. Cleveland signed journeyman Jacoby Brissett and reportedly is having him prepare to take the field in September if necessary. 

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport explained last week he doesn't believe Mayfield will be moved anywhere before June at the earliest, and ESPN's Dianna Russini reported the Seattle Seahawks "have no interest in" Mayfield at his current price. 

It continues to seem like other clubs are waiting for the Browns to cut their former starter even though they haven't yet given any indication they will do so before the season begins.