4 remaining scenarios facing Panthers QB Baker Mayfield in 2022
By Dean Jones
What potential scenarios remain for Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield upon his return to health in 2022?
Although Baker Mayfield is back on the practice field following a high ankle sprain, the quarterback has his work cut out. The Carolina Panthers are planning to move forward with P.J. Walker as the starter following his hugely impressive performance in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leaving the former No. 1 overall selection facing an uncertain future before hitting free agency next year.
This is a far cry from what Mayfield and the Panthers anticipated when he became their latest high-profile trade shortly before the team’s training camp in Spartanburg. His production was subpar at best before an enforced spell on the sidelines, which brought significant change with Matt Rhule fired, two primary weapons traded, and interim head coach Steve Wilks taking full command.
Coping with such turmoil is nothing new for Mayfield from his time with the Cleveland Browns. But that does not detract from the uphill struggle facing the signal-caller in the coming weeks in pursuit of salvaging a once-promising career.
With this in mind, here are four remaining scenarios facing Mayfield for the rest of 2022.
Scenario No. 1
Carolina Panthers make Baker Mayfield the permanent backup
Baker Mayfield will likely back up P.J. Walker this weekend at the Atlanta Falcons. A scenario that could continue long-term if the former XFL MVP candidate builds on a phenomenal display in Week 7 that saw him gain the league’s highest quarterback grade according to Pro Football Focus.
Mayfield didn’t join the Panthers to be a backup. However, there was no way Walker was going to be benched after a stunning turnaround that contributed significantly to a dominant victory at Bank of America Stadium.
Considering Mayfield was the first choice and Walker was once considered the No. 4 option under center, it’s a remarkable turn of events. But something the Oklahoma product might have to accept when it’s all said and done.