Panthers’ release of Baker Mayfield closes book on Matt Rhule reclamation projects

In wrapping up what felt like one of the shortest eras under center in recent memory, the Carolina Panthers have officially parted ways with quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield didn’t want to be the backup to the backup, the Panthers emphasized with his plight and both sides agreed to a release.

And now, the former No. 1 overall pick is the just latest name added to the bizarre list of failed first-round projects for the organization. (Oh hey, Matt Rhule).

Rhule’s failed three-year run in Carolina is, perhaps, highlighted by his follies at the quarterback position. Instead of corralling a long-term solution, the former head coach ended up opting for projects—which, of course, did not turn out well.

Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold and now Mayfield—a grouping that doesn’t bring “NFL success” to mind, at least right away. And while each man had their own stretches of promise, they were unable to sustain any type of solidified success under Rhule.

It does point to a certain hubris that came with Rhule, as he thought he could turn one team’s trash into his own treasure . . . on three separate occasions. So, with a big enough ego, you can still dig for treasure—no matter how thin the layer of sand is.

This latest dud is a swift reminder to all teams that there is no quick fix to the most important position in the league. Barring a Hall-of-Fame quarterback falling in your lap (like Peyton Manning in Denver and Tom Brady in Tampa Bay), your best route is patience and investment—something Matt Rhule passed on doing multiple times to ill effect.

Whoever takes over at the helm, whether it be interim head coach Steve Wilks or an outsider, they’ll need to take these lessons into account. No more reclamations and more aggressiveness in the draft should be the way to go.

History hands us these lessons for a reason, and repeating these same mistakes will certainly doom the next regime just as fast as it did the old one.