NFL Rumors: Baker Mayfield, Deebo Samuel, Carolina Panthers

In this edition of NFL rumors, the Panthers are connected to both Baker Mayfield and Jimmy Garoppolo while Deebo Samuel prepares to sit.

Welcome to the post-Easter addition of NFL rumors where Baker Mayfield is once again popping up as we get closer and closer to the NFL Draft.

This offseason has seen a large number of quarterback-centric moves. Whether it has been trades or big-money extensions, quarterbacks have been the focal point of the offseason with several moves still being anticipated. Particularly with Mayfield who saw his starting job vanish with the Browns’ acquisition of Deshaun Watson.

Let’s look at all the NFL rumors from around the league.

QB Baker Mayfield – Panthers Have Inside Track?

Rumor: The Carolina Panthers reportedly have the inside track to land quarterback Baker Mayfield, per Mary Kay Cabot.

The Carolina Panthers remain one of the few teams with an obvious need at quarterback despite having Sam Darnold still under contract. With many of the available, relatively injury-free, quarterbacks already in new homes, the market is slim for the Panthers who have apparently decided Baker Mayfield could be the guy instead of Darnold. Mayfield previously mentioned the Colts who have since traded for Matt Ryan and the Seahawks, who actually seem like a team in more a need of a quarterback than the Panthers. It also would seem like a better situation for Mayfield himself although, the team would actually want Baker. We at least know one member of the Panthers doesn’t want it to happen.

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San Francisco 49ers – WR Deebo Samuel

Rumor: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel is not expected to participate in the team’s on-field offseason programs until his contract situation is resolved, per Adam Schefter.

We have seen several elite receivers sign massive contract extensions this offseason and Deebo Samuel believes he should be next and he would be right. The 49ers’ offseason program begins on Tuesday so its unlikely this gets resolved beforehand, however, this could ultimately speed up the process of Samuel getting an extension. The issue for the 49ers is their cap room and the fact that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is still on the roster. Ultimately, this will get done as the 49ers can not let a key franchise piece hold out or be unhappy with his situation. Especially if they want to make Trey Lance’s acclimation to the starting job a lot easier.

Second-round picks that include WRs Deebo Samuel, A.J. Brown and Terry McLaurin are not expected to participate in their teams’ on-field off-season programs because they want new contracts at a time this off-season when WR deals have exploded, per league sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 18, 2022

Carolina Panthers – Keeping An Eye On Jimmy Garoppolo?

Rumor: The Carolina Panthers have “done their homework” on 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppol, per Jeremy Fowler.

So, if the Baker Mayfield situation doesn’t pan out for the Panthers, they could turn to Jimmy Garoppolo who comes with offseason shoulder surgery, a higher age, and a bigger contract. However, he may be better than Mayfield and the Panthers may be willing to wait it out for either. Based on these conflicting reports, it’s hard to know exactly which way the Panthers are leaning… Mayfield-Garoppolo, Garoppolo-Mayfield. One thing is for sure, they don’t see Sam Darnold as a solution in the long OR short term.

Per Fowler:

“We mentioned the Panthers earlier in relation to [Baker] Mayfield; they’ve done their homework on [Jimmy] Garoppolo too. They’ve looked at all options, and Garoppolo is one. So that’s something to watch for down the road.”