Report: Panthers unlikely to trade for Mayfield prior to draft

The Carolina Panthers are not expected to trade for Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield before the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The Panthers, who hold the sixth overall pick, want to let the opening night of the draft play out before considering any other potential options, Rapoport adds.

Mayfield has been heavily linked to Carolina recently, with the Panthers reportedly having the inside track to land the quarterback. The 2018 No. 1 overall pick has been involved in trade rumors since the Browns acquired Deshaun Watson.

The Panthers are looking to find consistency from their quarterback room after going through several passers in recent years. Seven signal-callers have started for the club since 2018, but only P.J. Walker has posted a winning record (2-0) during that span.

Sam Darnold, Cam Newton, and Walker started games last season for the Panthers. The trio combined for 14 touchdowns against 21 interceptions.