4 Carolina Panthers players facing boom or bust seasons in 2022

Baker Mayfield – Carolina Panthers QB

Baker Mayfield‘s transition to the Carolina Panthers couldn’t have gone much better. The quarterback shook off some rust during the first week of camp and was lights out over the final fortnight before getting his first taste of real action as QB1 at the Washington Commanders on Saturday.

Mayfield led the Panthers downfield for a field goal, making some crucial third-down completions and looking poised in the pocket. Matt Rhule stated that there wouldn’t be a formal decision on the starter until their game with the New England Patriots comes to a conclusion, but it would be an absolute bombshell if it wasn’t the Oklahoma product at this juncture.

With that being said, this trade represents a gamble from the Panthers. Yet another bold move at the most important position in football.

While there is little doubt Mayfield gives Carolina a better chance of being competitive at long last, some questions remain. Most notably, how much his regression in 2021 was down to shoulder issues or just a concerning dip in production.

That is the million-dollar question. One that Mayfield can answer almost immediately by getting one over on his former team in Week 1.

If Matt Corral is the future, then Mayfield represents the present. However, if the Heisman Trophy winner fails to deliver, there’s just no telling what his or Matt Rhule’s future would hold.