The Carolina Panthers have named recently acquired quarterback Baker Mayfield their starting quarterback for week one of the regular season. After being traded to the team he competed with quarterback Sam Darnold for the starting job in what was left in training camp and during the preseason. The expectation was that Mayfield would win the starting job and now the team confirms he has won the starting job, at least for now. With rookie quarterback Matt Corral likely out for the season, P.J. Walker will serve as the third-string quarterback. Mayfield will start in week one against his former team, the Cleveland Bowns.
Panthers officially announced Baker Mayfield as their opening-day starting quarterback vs. the Cleveland Browns.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 22, 2022
Last season with the Cleveland Browns, Baker Mayfield completed 253 passes for 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions on 418 attempts. He also rushed the ball 37 times for 134 yards and one touchdown. The relationship between the Browns and Mayfield got rocky last season after some bad play and contract negotiations. It got worse when the Browns were linked to quarterback Deshaun Watson. Later the team would indeed trade for the now suspended quarterback. Mayfield requested a trade and was eventually dealt to the Carolina Panthers.
Week 1:
?Browns vs Baker Mayfield and the Panthers.
?Seahawks vs. Russell Wilson and the Broncos.
? NFL Schedule Makers.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 22, 2022
Baker Mayfield will immediately get a chance to play against his former team and showcase his level of skill. With Sam Darnold sitting behind him the pressure will stay on the quarterback to play well and win games. The Carolina Panthers are in the middle of a rebuild and winning games right now is important. This season will be a good showcase of where the team is currently and where they need to make changes.
