The Carolina Panthers’ quarterback competition jumped into second gear on Monday, as Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold hit the practice field for the third week of training camp. And at this point, it’s the former who still remains the favorite to win.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport and Mike Garofolo were down at Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. to get a firsthand look at the battle. Both reporters shared the same sentiment—that Mayfield wasn’t acquired with the idea of him losing out to his fellow 2018 draftee.
“So, yes, it is an open competition between Baker Mayfield, who they just traded for, and Sam Darnold,” Rapoport began. “They are splitting reps. Some with the ones, some with the twos. Kinda making sure they take turns and both get equal opportunity. But Mike, it has been pretty clear—though the reps have been about equal, it’s clear that this is Baker Mayfield’s job to lose here in Carolina.”
Garofolo then delivered a small ray of hope for Darnold, who he gave the edge to in system familiarity. He, obviously, has been around a bit longer to learn the ins and outs from new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo.
But even that shouldn’t be enough to hold off Mayfield.
“They way it was explained to me—maybe Darnold’s kinda been more the steady guy, the safer guy for the entire training camp, all offseason even when Baker wasn’t here obviously,” Garofolo added. “Now, they have been splitting the reps. I’d expect, in some form or fashion, to continue into the preseason. But once we get through Game 1, Game 2—we’re gonna have a real feel for who’s winning, I think.”
Game 1 is on Saturday, when the Panthers travel to take on the Washington Commanders for their first taste of preseason action.
