Is Baker Mayfield on his last chance with the Carolina Panthers?
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It’s been quite a year for former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield. This time last year, there was optimism surrounding Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns after they earned their first playoff win since 1994. Before the Browns moved to Baltimore.
Then Mayfield suffered a torn labrum. Playing through the injury, Mayfield’s 2021 left the Browns front office questioning whether or not he was the future. After a contentious offseason and a trade for Deshaun Watson, Mayfield ultimately was traded to Carolina.
With a healthy shoulder and a fresh opportunity, Mayfield has a chance to rebuild his reputation. But is this his last chance?
Nate Davis of USA TODAY Sports took a look at 22 recent first round picks that might be out of chances heading into 2022. Here’s what Davis had to say about the quarterback battle in Carolina between former first rounders, Sam Darnold and former Sooner Baker Mayfield.
The most compelling quarterback battle of the summer is being waged by two of the top three selections of the 2018 draft, though neither Darnold (third overall to the Jets) nor Mayfield (first overall to the Browns) remains with his original team. Each was initially due a fully guaranteed $18.9 million in the final year of his rookie contract, though Mayfield accepted a $3.5 million pay cut – he can earn it all back by hitting several incentives – to facilitate his trade from Cleveland just one year after Darnold was dealt to Carolina. They’re currently alternating first-team training camps every other day, each hoping to earn the QB1 gig from embattled coach Matt Rhule while trying to parlay the opportunity into major payday from the Panthers or another team in free agency next year. This could be the final shot for one or both passers to establish himself as an NFL starter – and limiting turnovers and poor decision making will be crucial for Mayfield and Darnold. But having a playmaking duo of
RB Christian McCaffrey and WR DJ Moore should give each a fighting chance to excel. Darnold and the 2021 Panthers started 3-0 before losing “CMC” to hamstring and ankle injuries that cost him 10 games. – Davis, USA TODAY Sports
Baker Mayfield’s route to the Panthers came a bit differently than Sam Darnold’s. Darnold didn’t have much success with the New York Jets, while Mayfield helped the Browns win their first playoff game in more than 20 years.
By all accounts, the former Sooner has looked great in Panthers training camp. If he can keep that rolling through the preseason, Mayfield will win the starting quarterback job with the Panthers.
Even if it doesn’t pan out with the Panthers, there will always be opportunities for quarterbacks, especially quarterbacks drafted with the No. 1 overall pick. Carolina could be his last chance, but odds are it’s a turning point.
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