Big news coming out of Carolina’s camp. Head coach Matt Rhule has named Baker Mayfield the teams starting quarterback for week one. Mayfield was acquired from the Browns on July 6th in exchange for a 2024 conditional fifth round pick. The Oklahoma alum beat out P.J. Walker and Sam Darnold, who was drafted the same year as Mayfield in 2018.
Last season in Cleveland, Mayfield started 14 games for the Browns and battled a shoulder injury while throwing for 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. The Browns drafted Mayfield first overall in 2018 and led them to their first win since December 24th, 2016 in a week three win against the New York Jets. During this offseason, it was reported that Mayfield was on the outs with the Browns’ front office. The situation only intensified when the Browns traded six draft picks, including three first rounders for Deshaun Watson. This in turn led to the Browns shopping Mayfield and dealing him to Carolina.
The Panthers open week one against Mayfield’s former team, the Cleveland Browns. It’s set as a home game to be played in Carolina on September 11th. Mayfield will surely be looking for revenge on his ex-team. Especially since Watson will be serving his 11 game suspension.
