4 Carolina Panthers that could use a change of scenery in 2023

Baker Mayfield – Carolina Panthers QB

It became evident from early on that Baker Mayfield‘s stint with the Carolina Panthers was not going to go down the desired path. The quarterback arrived just before training camp and didn’t get enough reps to truly develop chemistry with his primary players, which came across when competitive action arrived during a disappointing start.

This was down to Matt Rhule’s insistence that a quarterback competition must take place. As it turned out, the decision blew up in the previous head coach’s face and he paid the price with his job.

Things weren’t easy for Mayfield, but before the Oklahoma product went down in Week 5, his form was abysmal. Something that relegated the signal-caller to backup duties behind P.J. Walker, who was the odd man out throughout the team’s training camp in Spartanburg.

When Mayfield was given another opportunity by Steve Wilks at the Baltimore Ravens, he failed to produce the goods. The struggling offense mustered just three points and the Panthers wasted no time bringing Sam Darnold into the mix as a result.

To rub further salt into Mayfield’s wounds, there’s a high chance he could be relegated to No. 3 on the depth chart depending on Walker’s health after the bye week. This steep fall from grace is deeply concerning and starting from the bottom is almost guaranteed when – or if – another team comes calling in 2023 free agency.