The Carolina Panthers on Monday named Baker Mayfield the team’s starting quarterback for the 2022 season.
Mayfield was the presumptive starter over incumbent Sam Darnold since the Panthers traded for him in July. The Panthers open their season on Sept. 11 against the Cleveland Browns — Mayfield’s former team.
Mayfield and Darnold had alternated reps with the starters throughout training camp. Mayfield started the Panthers’ first preseason game against Washington and threw for 45 yards on 4-of-7 passing. Neither QB played in Friday’s preseason game against New England.
Mayfield becomes Carolina’s fourth different Week 1 starter in four seasons, following Cam Newton (2019), Teddy Bridgewater (2020) and Darnold (2021).
Mayfield, 27, completed 60.5 percent of his passes for 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 14 starts last season for the Browns.
Darnold, 25, completed 59.9 percent of his passes for 2,527 yards, nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 12 games (11 starts) for the Panthers in 2021.
Mayfield and Darnold were the Nos. 1 and 3 overall picks in the 2018 NFL Draft, respectively.
Panthers rookie QB Matt Corral suffered a Lisfranc injury against the Patriots that likely will end his season.
–Field Level Media
