NFL Rumors: Panthers Likely Passing On 49ers Veteran, Focusing On Browns QB

KEY POINTS

The Carolina Panthers are likely out of the Jimmy Garoppolo sweepstakes, a report says
The team has its sights set on Cleveland Browns signal-caller Baker Mayfield, according to the report
The Panthers are looking for someone to mentor Matt Corral but not at a hefty price

One of the NFL teams linked to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo might be off the table, according to a report.

The Carolina Panthers were seen as a potential landing spot for the 30-year-old play-caller as they could use a veteran to upgrade their quarterback needs.

But Garoppolo's huge salary and injury history appear to be a deterrent, Jonathan M. Alexander of The Charlotte Observer reported.

Garoppolo is owed $26.9 million for the coming season, a sum that the Panthers may not bite. The fact that the Illinois native is coming off shoulder surgery further raised questions on the viability of trading for him.

At the moment, Carolina has Sam Darnold as its play-caller. They also took in Matt Corral in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Also in the quarterback mix is P.J. Walker.

The Panthers would need to sign a good quarterback, even for a one-year deal, if they want to compete for a playoff spot, Alexander suggested. Similar to what the 49ers did with Trey Lance, the team could bring in an experienced quarterback to buy the Panthers some time to allow Corral to learn the ropes.

Panthers coach Matt Rhule previously said he'd like Corral to sit and learn before playing in order to "not ruin a rookie in his first year," the journalist noted.

But while that makes sense, spending almost $30 million to do so may not be an acceptable deal.

Hence, it would make more sense if the Panthers set their sights on another veteran, Baker Mayfield. He is younger and a lot sturdier compared to Garoppolo.

"Mayfield seems like the best and most likely option over San Francisco's Jimmy Garoppolo, even if Panthers receiver Robbie Anderson isn't thrilled with the idea of Mayfield coming to Charlotte," wrote Alexander.

Mayfield is due to make nearly $18.9 million this season — less than Garoppolo's salary but still a hefty amount. The 27-year-old aired his wish to move to another NFL team after the Cleveland Browns acquired Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans.

As for Garoppolo, the Niners may find it difficult to ship him and his salary in his current state. The best to expect is the two-time Super Bowl champion staying in San Francisco as insurance in case Lance fails to lift the 49ers this 2022 NFL season.