Quarterback Baker Mayfield has taken over the Carolina Panthers.
It wasn’t long ago that the future of the former Oklahoma standout looked bleak.
He remained on the Cleveland Browns roster even after they traded for Deshaun Watson and gave him a five-year, $230 million deal.
Signing Jacoby Brissett did not help his prospects either.
Finally, he was traded to the Panthers in exchange for a conditional fifth-rounder in the 2024 NFL Draft.
That pick will turn into a fourth-rounder if he plays 70 percent of the snaps this season.
It looks like he would satisfy that condition after winning the quarterback battle over Sam Darnold, P.J. Walker, and Matt Corral.
His newfound role also gave him the opportunity to mentor Corral.
But aside from lending his wisdom, he gets to take the field again after being named the starter for Week 1.
Panthers announce Baker Mayfield as starting quarterback. pic.twitter.com/4t3kyuofuO
— NFL (@NFL) August 22, 2022
Revenge Is On Mayfield’s Mind
Ironically, it is the best scenario he could wish for because the Panthers will be facing the Browns in the opening week of the 2022 season.
Therefore, Mayfield will have a chance to get some payback against his former team, especially with Watson not yet playing due to his 11-game suspension.
A Panthers victory would be weird because the Browns are still paying $10 million of his $18.8 million salary this season as part of his fifth-year option.
The Panthers will be paying Mayfield $5 million while the remaining can be earned through incentives.
But for Carolina to win, Mayfield couldn’t do everything alone.
It helps if they will have Christian McCaffrey back to full strength and devoid of any injury.
They will also need big games from Terrace Marshall Jr., D.J. Moore, and Robbie Anderson.
NEXT: The Panthers Reveal A Unique Friday Night QB Plan