KEY POINTS

  • Baker Mayfield is seemingly determined to be the Panthers' starting quarterback next season
  • The Panthers are reportedly shopping Sam Darnold, but his contract is seen as a hindrance
  • Carolina will be choosing between Mayfield and Darnold to lead the team very soon

Given that Baker Mayfield is a rising star who can start for any NFL team he ends up with, it comes as no surprise that the top pick of the 2018 NFL Draft is expected to be the starting play-caller for the Carolina Panthers.

Acquired from the Cleveland Browns last July, a competition as to who will be the team's primary quarterback for the 2022-23 NFL season was anticipated.

But it cannot be denied that the 27-year-old Texas native was the obvious favorite to get that honor.

It appears that scribes wanted to see that for themselves to check on the progress of Mayfield with the Panthers.

NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garofolo went to the Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina to see for themselves.

Upon observing, both pundits agreed that Mayfield was there with the intent to be the Carolina Panthers starting quarterback.

They went on to describe how both Mayfield and Sam Darnold were putting in work. But through it all, the two that the job is for Mayfield to lose.

"They are splitting reps. Some with the ones, some with the twos. Kinda making sure they take turns and both get equal opportunity. But Mike, it has been pretty clear—though the reps have been about equal, it's clear that this is Baker Mayfield's job to lose here in Carolina," Rapoport stated.

With the arrival of Mayfield, murmurs have surfaced that the Panthers are allegedly shopping Darnold.

According to Benjamin Albright of KOA Colorado, Carolina is trying to find takers for Darnold.

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However, the Panthers are unable to entertain takers because the 25-year-old holds a fifth-year option salary.

Unless a tweak is made, Darnold may not be going anywhere for now.

Darnold is set to earn $18.8 million this coming NFL season.

Although he appears to be holding up at the Panthers' training camp, it may be best to stick to the fact that he and Mayfield will have to prove who can lead Carolina this coming season.

The preseason games could be a gauge to find that out. That all starts this Saturday, August 13 when the Panthers face the Washington Commanders.

Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield Getty Images | Justin Berl