The Carolina Panthers come into the 2022 season with three quarterbacks, all seen as possible starters.
However, the team won’t have a quarterback competition for very long this season.
This is because Baker Mayfield is coming into Carolina to show why he’s the starting quarterback for the team.
It also makes sense for the Panthers to have him as starter, as the trade for him was done to save Matt Rhule’s job this season.
So why is it that Sam Darnold and Matt Corral don’t have a chance against Mayfield in a QB competition?
Mayfield Wants To Prove He’s Still Good
With all the news coming out about the former Cleveland Browns quarterback, you would think he doesn’t have a chance in Carolina.
However, he actually wants to prove how he’s still a star player.
Skip Bayless also feels Mayfield is underrated, and with that, he’s someone that can easily take over in Carolina.
“Baker Mayfield is the most undervalued asset on the open market in the history of the NFL.”
@RealSkipBayless on whether the trade market for the Browns QB has dried up: pic.twitter.com/Req5lJYjqk— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) May 5, 2022
If Bayless is correct about the newest Panthers quarterback, then he’s a lock for the starting job in Carolina.
It also means the Darnold and Corral don’t stand a chance when the competition begins.
However, can Mayfield be the answer for the Panthers, as they’ve struggled to replace Cam Newton at quarterback since they released him in 2020?
Mayfield Needs To Prove Himself To Get A Contract In 2023
If the latest addition to the Panthers quarterback roster wants to stay, he needs to prove himself.
I feel like it definitely Mayfield right now with how poor things ended in Cleveland & him hoping to land a big contract & potential long term starting QB with Carolina. Jackson & Murray though have some pressure on them & need to improve their pocket passing.
— Jeffrey Turner (@JeffyT85) July 13, 2022
However, Darnold is in the same situation as Mayfield, as they both have contracts expiring after 2022.
But for Mayfield, the pressure on him is greater.
He’s the guy who got the call to save the Panthers’ head coach from losing his job after 2022.
With that pressure on his shoulders, he’ll need to play his best.
It will also give him the drive to show the other two QBs can’t compete against him.
Buccaneers And Saints Could Derail Mayfield In 2022
Two teams in the NFC South could derail any attempts at Mayfield making a move to take over the division.
They are the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have been a driving force in the division lately.
With Tom Brady still quarterbacking the Bucs, they won’t allow Mayfield and the Panthers to climb over them in that division.
The Saint won’t give them an inch either, as they have an offense that should do well this season if they remain healthy.
So with these titans in the same division, how can the Panthers and their new QB make a move in 2022?
If the Panthers want any chance at getting one win against either team, they need Mayfield and a healthy Christian McCaffrey.
McCaffrey is the one player that helps the Panthers offense win games.
He’s a game-changing player when he’s healthy and on the field each game.
On the latest #AgainstAllOdds, @TheCousinSal makes the case that Christian McCaffrey should be the NFL MVP for being a game-changer on pace for 2,700 scrimmage yards pic.twitter.com/GwVYP0jfzz
— The Ringer (@ringer) October 10, 2019
However, injuries have been an issue with him throughout his career, causing him to miss games.
But if he remains healthy in 2022, he can be the one player to stop the derailing of Mayfield in Carolina.
NEXT: Panthers GM Shoots Down A Baker Mayfield Narrative