I believe there is also a woman who came forward but is not filing a suit against Watson who had the same story as the others. Why this matters is she has nothing to gain by coming forward and yet she still has the same story. I'll see if I can find where I read that.
Which would be added to the two women who filed a police report, but have not filed civil cases against Watson. That makes (3) that have their stories heard, but are not looking for a payday.. Along with 2-3 that have filed civil suits but are asking for the minimum compensation. They only want their day in court. And this is why I have the feelings I do about the situation..
Mayfield to Carolina makes a lot of sense. Robbie Anderson should be a non-factor. Who cares if he "retires" because he is crying that he doesn't want Mayfield? He's never enjoyed a breakout season and he is 29 years old. He isn't going to have a breakout season in 2022 with the current QB staff... Mayfield would be a definite upgrade. They mentioned, if the Browns don't get something done, maybe they just move on to Garoppolo.. There is a major difference here. Mayfield has bee 100% cleared by medical on his NON-throwing shoulder injury, while Garoppolo is not cleared for practice on his THROWING shoulder injury. We aren't talking about, all things being equal, because they aren't. I hope they Panthers understand a sense of urgency here, because if they don't win in 2022.. The front office/coaching staff is going to be looking for work elsewhere. I don't think Matt Rhule gets a 4th year if they win 5 games. Fitterer has had two off seasons to address the QB position and he has come up with Sam Darnold and a 3rd round pick spent on Matt Corral. He had the 8th overall pick in 2021 could have traded up to #3 for Trey Lance or stayed put and added Justin Fields, both projected starters in 2022. They had the #6 overall pick in the 2022 draft and opted for an offensive lineman instead of their pick of the QBs in this draft. That being said, of the 2021 and 2022 NFL draft, Baker Mayfield would most likely be the 3rd best option behind Trevor Lawrence and Mac Jones. They STILL have the option to get that 3rd best option and possibly save their jobs. I would put the level of wins to do that at 8 in 2022. They aren't winning 8 games with Sam Darnold or Matt Corral. They might only get 8 games out of Jimmy Garoppolo total, it has been very hush hush on his recovery from shoulder surgery. I'm not saying Mayfield is a savior, but I think he is a 3 game improvement over Sam Darnold.
I think those rumors were based around trying to sign him if he was cut by the Browns, weren't they? At this point, I just want it resolved. This is what I would do if I were Berry. To the Panthers... Trade with conditional compensation: Split the salary 50/50 or swap Baker for Darnold evenly as far as salary. They could then try to move Darnold in the same way, but he would at the very least be better than Dobbs as a 3rd string QB and possibly Brisset's backup if Watson is suspended for the entire season, which I think is more likely by the day. THEN, they agree to the following scale: compensation pick begins with 2023 6th rounder. If Mayfield starts 13+ games, it moves to a 5th rounder. If he starts 13+ and they win 7 games it moves to a 4th rounder If he starts 13+ and they win 9 games it moves to a 3rd rounder If he starts 13+ and they make the playoffs it moves to a 2nd rounder This trade would make sense for everyone...
Browns at Panthers week #1.... The way the world works, it feels like it's a given that this trade will happen. How happy would Baker be to get his shot at the Browns in week #1?
I don't know that he would be all that happy to see Myles, Clowney, Ward, Newsome and Greedy week one of a new system...
Carolina's a mid roster. Baker's a tremendous upgrade to that team but cannot do it all himself. Carolina ought to take a long, hard look in the mirror and figure out where in their cycle they are (hint: teetering on a cusp of a complete rebuild).
I'm thinkin that would turn a generic "ho-hum" season opener into must see TV...Pretty sure everyone would be curious to see Bake against the Browns. Network might have to move that to 4pm game after this trade happens.
