Report: Panthers have 'inside track' to land Mayfield

The Carolina Panthers have the inside track over other potential suitors to acquire Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, league sources told Mark Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Mayfield has been the subject of trade rumors after the Browns landed Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans. The Seattle Seahawks are also reportedly exploring adding Mayfield.

The Panthers have looked to bolster their quarterback room since last season's conclusion. General manager Scott Fitterer previously said that Sam Darnold is in the lead for the starting job. He's also acknowledged potentially taking a quarterback early in the 2022 NFL Draft.

"But we do need a quarterback, and at some point you have to take a shot, especially in the top 10," Fitterer said last month. "You hate to force it, because when you force it, you could make a mistake."

The Browns have enjoyed highs and lows since drafting Mayfield first overall in 2018. Mayfield ended the franchise's playoff drought in 2020 before enduring a pedestrian, injury-riddled campaign last season.

The 27-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie contract. He's thrown for 92 touchdowns to 56 interceptions and carries a 29-30 career record.

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