How Deshaun Watson’s historic contract could lead to more QB blockbusters, plus Panthers panic in latest mock

Well, everyone, Andy Dalton is back for another NFL season. Which means John Breech made a last-minute request to take the day off. He needs time to process how to properly split his rooting interests between the Bengals and Saints. In the meantime, you’ve got me, Cody Benjamin, to deliver all the latest from around the NFL.

This is the Pick Six newsletter. Now let’s get to it. (And please, do yourself a favor and make sure you’re signed up to receive this newsletter every day! You don’t want to miss our daily offerings of everything you need to know around the NFL.)

We’ve got QB buzz, new mock drafts, trade rumors, and much more:

1. Today’s show: How will Watson deal impact Mayfield, Jackson?

Ryan Wilson and John Breech joined Will Brinson on Wednesday’s “Pick Six NFL Podcast” to run through all the hot topics around the NFL, from the new playoff overtime rules to Andy Dalton landing with the Saints. No subject got more discussion, however, than the ripple effects of Deshaun Watson’s deal in Cleveland: what can Lamar Jackson reasonably command on his own contract now? And what, exactly, is Baker Mayfield’s future? Some highlights:

• The guys believe Watson’s average annual value ($46 million) should be the starting point for Jackson’s next negotiations with the Ravens on a long-term deal: “Can Lamar take less as a former MVP who’s won a playoff game?” Brinson asked.
• Watson’s fully guaranteed $230M deal could also reshape the NFL’s spending landscape, Breech argued, considering not every market is equipped to put down so much guaranteed money at the front end of a contract.
• As for Mayfield, Wilson thinks the former No. 1 overall pick will eventually be cut. Brinson could also see the Browns giving up a pick for another team to absorb Mayfield’s…