The reports and rumors linking the Carolina Panthers to Cleveland Browns full-back Baker Mayfield can’t be ignored. In the last week, Ellis L. Williams of The Charlotte Observer suggest Panthers can add Mayfield to their roster before they start Obligatory minicamp on June 14 and Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta after Written that “the consensus is that Carolina remains Mayfield’s most likely destination if he is released.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, however, veteran and 2018 overall draft pick Sam Darnold topped Carolina’s depth rankings over rookie pick and third-round pick Matt Corral. Darnold spoke to reporters and Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, claiming he is “confident he can be one of the best defenders in the league.”
As noted by ESPN Statistically, Darnold finished the 2021 season in 29th place among qualified signal callers with a passer rating of 71.9 and a total QBR of 33.2. He completed only 59.9% of his attempts and made nine touchdown throws with 13 interceptions.
“Everybody, myself included, knows the situation… For me, it’s about focusing on what I can do right now,” Darnold added in his comment.
Panthers can create a move for San Francisco 49ers veteran Jimmy Garoppolo or wait to see if Garoppolo or Mayfield are released by their current employers. Darnold’s confidence is admirable, but it seems the issue is when, not if, he is replaced as Carolina’s QB1 before pre-season games begin.
