The legacies of Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold have been linked since the 2018 NFL draft.
They now find themselves on the same team vying for the same starting job.
Baker Mayfield was drafted 1st overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft. In the same draft, Sam Darnold was later selected 2 times #3 by the New York Jets. Both players have had different careers up to this point.
Baker’s first career start for him came 2 weeks into the season. In Week 3 against Darnold and the NY Jets, the Browns trailed 14-0. Starter Tyrod Taylor was injured and Baker came in at quarterback.
The Browns ended up winning the game 21-17 and Baker snapped his 19-game winless streak. In his rookie season, Baker led the Browns to a 7-8-1 record, their best finish since 2007. He also set the rookie record for most touchdowns thrown in a season with 27. Baker’s rookie contract, that you still have, is worth $33. million.
During Baker’s tenure with the Browns, he led them to the playoffs and a wild card victory over their division rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Baker showed the Browns success they haven’t had in a long time. Although plagued by injuries, Baker proved he could be the long-term answer at quarterback. Management didn’t feel the same way.
This slow mo view 😍@bakermayfield x @Terracemjr pic.twitter.com/72NoUh0IQs
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 3, 2022
Sam Darnold’s career is not that successful so far. Darnold’s 3 seasons with the Jets resulted in records of 4-9, 7-6 and 2-10 in his starts. He never threw for 20 touchdowns in a season or made the playoffs. Darnold could never become the savior the Jets needed.
Various reasons find Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold on the Carolina Panthers
Darnold was traded to the Panthers before last season for a second-, fourth- and sixth-round pick. The Panthers later extended his contract, giving him about $19 million for the 2022 season.
In the 2021 season, Darnold underperformed, leading the Panthers to a 4–7 record with 9 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. This prompted the Panthers to trade for Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield played until 2021 through injury and did not perform up to par. Browns management wanted to move in a different direction and instead opted to go with Deshaun Watson. Watson is currently facing sexual assault allegations and has been tried for “heinous actions.”
Most Cleveland fans aren’t happy about this move. Mayfield was a fan favorite who changed the culture in Cleveland. Playing injured for his team could have been the mistake he made.
Baker Mayfield is back to being Baker Mayfield. Sam Darnold puts me to sleep, he is a bust. Baker will turn back into the steal of the century. More @Undisputed, now on FS1 https://t.co/j1BSo8JQVr
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) August 15, 2022
Mayfield was also traded to the Panthers just a few weeks ago. Now, both quarterbacks find themselves locked in a QB battle. Skip Bayless’ take on the situation is that the Panthers should go with Baker over Darnold.
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