The Carolina Panthers Quarterback Debacle
The Carolina Panthers have struggled to find a quarterback to steer the ship since they moved on from Cam Newton. Kyle Allen, Teddy Bridgewater, and Sam Darnold are quarterbacks the Panthers gave a chance to start for them, none of which had any viable success. The Panthers’ quarterback situation became so horrible, that they gave Cam Newton another opportunity to start for them last season.
Baker Mayfield publicized that he felt unappreciated in Cleveland, so he wanted to be traded. He took a pay cut to get traded. The Cleveland Browns traded Baker Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers for just a 4th-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
Mayfield is more motivated than ever before; he publicly announced that he was looking forward to being challenged for the Carolina Panther’s starting quarterback position. What challenge is Mayfield facing? Not much considering that he’s battling Sam Darnold and a 3rd round rookie Matt Corral.
What’s to be expected from Baker Mayfield?
Mayfield has not been the most consistent in his first four seasons. He threw 21 interceptions in 2019, which would’ve been the most if Jameis Winston hadn’t thrown 30 that same year. In his first four years, Mayfield threw 14,125 yards, averaging 235.4 per game. That’s slightly above average in terms of yardage. He threw 92 touchdowns in his four seasons in the NFL. That is something he should feel accomplished about. However, Mayfield also compiled 56 interceptions, which is the most in the last four seasons. Mayfield loves taking risks, but rarely do they ever turn out in his favor. The best quarterbacks always take risks, so at some point, Mayfield’s boldness will have to pay off.
With Mayfield’s new mindset I believe he will be the Carolina Panthers’ next franchise quarterback. Mayfield acknowledges that if he wants to be a starter this season, he will have to give it his all. He knows this and he’s already been impressing his coaches and teammates with his work ethic. If Baker Mayfield keeps on giving his all, he can be one of the most respectable quarterbacks in the NFL one day.
