Carolina Panthers March On Without Quarterback Baker Mayfield

by Jordan Long

The Carolina Panthers are coming off their bye week at 4-8.  They will take on the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.  They have decided to cut quarterback Baker Mayfield who will be placed on waivers.

            Mayfield was originally traded to the Panthers on July 6^th, 2022 from the Cleveland Browns.  Depending on how much Mayfield played, the Browns are going to receive a 4th or a 5th-round draft pick.  For the Browns to receive a 4^th round draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Mayfield would need to play 70% of the offensive snaps this season for the Panthers.  The Panthers were going to use training camp to decide who would start between Sam Darnold and Mayfield.

            Mayfield ended up winning the quarterback competition and became the starter.  It only lasted 6 games.  His record was a disappointing 1-5.   Mayfield struggled to run the offense.  He passed for 1,313 yards and 6 touchdowns.  He was not reading the defenses well and threw 6 interceptions. It also didn’t help his line wasn’t protecting him as Mayfield was sacked 19 times and was holding onto the ball way too long.   

            When Carolina faced the Denver Broncos in week 12, Darnold started. He was 11 of 19 passing for  164 yards and 1 touchdown. Darnold didn’t have an interception and wasn’t sacked.  He seemed to throw the football quicker and the offensive line protected him.  The Panthers won the game 23-10. This was more than enough for the Panthers to move forward with Darnold for the rest of the year.

            The Panthers are expected to place Mayfield on waivers today.  This will allow any team to sign him for the rest of the year.  Mayfield might get another chance to play, but it would either be as a backup or on a practice squad.  At least if he is on the practice squad, Mayfield can practice with the team but can’t suit up for games unless he is activated.

            For the Panthers, this means Darnold is going to be their starting quarterback for the rest of the year.  The backup will be P.J. Walker.

 The Panthers are still in the thick of the playoff race in the NFC South and could still win the division.  They stand at 4-8.  Tampa Bay leads the division at 5-6 and could be 6-6 if they beat the New Orleans Saints tonight.  Either way though, the Panthers know the season rests on Darnold.  The offense needs to click with him like it did in week 12.  If he struggles, they will not be shy to make the switch to Walker to keep their playoff hopes alive.  The Panthers are expecting the switch to Darnold to increase their playoff odds.