4 burning questions Carolina Panthers fans are asking ahead of Week 8

Carolina Panthers QB situation

Do you believe the Carolina Panthers re-sign either Sam Darnold or Baker Mayfield being that they both are unrestricted free agents? – Marvin R. Mackey

Thank you for your question, Marvin.

I do not expect the Carolina Panthers to re-sign either Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold. That chapter has closed for either at this time.

Both quarterbacks have shown what and who they are. They aren’t the same guys we remember from the 2018 NFL Draft where they were the first two signal-callers selected. Mayfield and Darnold have lowered their stock to a spot-starter or backup level.

Quite the downfall for two talented quarterbacks that could never find consistency on either a game-to-game, snap-to-snap, or year-to-year basis. It’s unfortunate, really.

As of right now, P.J. Walker is the starting quarterback until Mayfield and/or Darnold can get more time in during practice since both are recovering from high-ankle sprains. This tells me the door is still open for either to prove themselves. Though, realistically, they’ve proven enough.

Is there a chance either Mayfield or Darnold return next year? Maybe, but highly unlikely.

The former Oklahoma Sooner currently holds a market value of nearly $16 million per year while the USC product is valued at just under $9 million.

With other needs on the roster and the urgency to wanting a young face at the sport’s most important position, it would be unwise to pay either that much money. This cash can be allocated to potential contract extensions for Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, or Jeremy Chinn.

As of right now and in the franchise’s current position, drafting a rookie quarterback to build around is the best option going forward. While the team will continue to compete week in and week out, this isn’t a roster they won’t be contending for a playoff spot, in my opinion.