The first pick in the 2018 draft is officially a member of the Carolina Panthers. Joe Person of TheAthletic.com reports that quarterback Baker Mayfield passed his physical entrance. This makes the trade from the Browns official. Mayfield had surgery in January to repair a non-throwing shoulder injury. The injury happened in the second week. Passing the physical suggests he’ll be good to go from the start of training camp. Person adds that Mayfield’s revised contract should be finalized next week. The Browns will reportedly pay $10.5 million of his $18.8 million salary for 2022. The Panthers will pay about $5 million. Mayfield will eat the rest, with the potential to earn it back through incentives. Mayfield will reportedly compete with Sam Darnold, given that the Panthers have no intention of trading Darnold. Of course, we’ve learned over the years what “no intention” can often mean.
