One of the most compelling preseason quarterback competitions has calcified this week.
On Tuesday, Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer said the team’s starting quarterback has yet to be determined. The organization expects a dogfight between newly acquired Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, whom Carolina traded for last summer.
Darnold entered the 2021 season as the starter before injuring his shoulder in November and losing the job to Cam Newton. Darnold returned as the team’s main man for the season’s final two games – to bad results.
Meanwhile, Mayfield had a mixed season in Cleveland, too, ranking among the league’s worst starting QBs amid an 8-9 season after battling through injury.
These are two once-highly touted quarterbacks who haven’t quite lived up to expectations. They have chips on their shoulders and are fighting each other for their careers.