The Carolina Panthers are reportedly eyeing Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield to compete with Sam Darnold for the starter. Panthers legendary wide receiver Steve Smith is on set at the NFL Network and wasn't too pleased with those rumors.

Mayfield has been involved in trade rumors for months after the Browns acquired QB Deshaun Watson from the Texans. The Panthers had rumored interest in a few NFL Draft quarterbacks, but it seems a move for Mayfield may occur instead.

The Oklahoma product's career hasn't gone as planned after being selected with the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Mayfield led the Browns to a playoff appearance in 2020 after going 11-5 in the regular season. He threw 26 TDs along with 3,563 yards and a career-low eight interceptions.

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The future of the Panthers remains up in the air. Sam Darnold struggled so much in his first season in Carolina that he got benched. While he'll have an opportunity to win the starting job again this season, he doesn't seem to be the long-term guy. Acquiring Mayfield would mean a likely competition between he and Darnold in the offseason.

Elsewhere on offense, Christian McCaffrey's failed to remain healthy the past few seasons. They do have some decent weapons to throw to, which includes D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, and soon-to-be sophomore Terrace Marshall Jr.

The Browns reportedly want a first-round pick for Mayfield, which may be why he hasn't been traded yet. They have virtually no leverage, as there's no reason as to why Mayfield would play for the Browns this season.