4 burning questions Panthers fans are asking ahead of Week 12 vs. Broncos

Baker Mayfield’s future with the Carolina Panthers

Do you think we’ve seen the last of Baker Mayfield? – FreeCambo

Thank you to the leader of the Panthers Town Hall himself for the question. I appreciate it.

Is this the last we have seen of Baker Mayfield as a starter or backup?

My answer: I don’t believe so.

Mayfield is a polarizing figure. Admittedly, he has been one of my favorite players since entering the league and my first true draft crush when I first started analysis full-time in 2017.

However, this is 2022, not 2018. Times have changed. The once-promising savior of the Cleveland Browns is no longer that. Inconsistency has plagued the former Heisman Trophy winner during his entire career.

With the Carolina Panthers, whether it was not being a fit in Ben McAdoo’s scheme or unplugged mechanics, Mayfield’s play somehow diminished. His confidence, while he may not show it, seems shattered.

It’s a shame. The former Oklahoma Sooner has really good traits to be what we saw in 2020, which is an above-average quarterback with the ability to help his team win because of him, not in spite. That has since changed to the point where it is no longer viable to start him.

Mayfield’s downfall is different from Sam Darnold’s in New York. Yet, both are quarterbacking on the same team as likely journeymen looking to land in a future home that could give them a chance.

I think Mayfield will find a home. It will likely be as a backup or spot starter. The NFL is a strange league and there is always a possibility Mayfield could find his old self, the one that was dominating college football more than four years ago.

Until that happens, Mayfield’s career looks to be nothing more than being a backup for the foreseeable future.