Quarterback Baker Mayfield now has found himself a spot in the Carolina Panthers after months of uncertainties staying with the Cleveland Browns. Following his signing, former teammate wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. reacted to Mayfield’s debut on August 13, with a comment that reads “Go shine!!!!!!” on the NFL’s post.
Mayfield’s debut with the Panthers also marked the start of the race to take over the team’s starting QB position against Sam Darnold. This means that the former Browns would likely need any support he can get to compete with the Panthers’ second-year player who has been praised for his mobility.
OBJ reacts to Mayfield’s Panthers debut
When Mayfield was featured on NFL’s post donning the Panthers’ uniform, OBJ took on the comment section to show support for his former teammate. The free agent also had a bitter relationship with the Browns as he was waived by the team on November 8, 2021, until the Super Bowl champ Los Angeles Rams signed him to a one-year contract three days later.
Mayfield’s debut in Carolina also has been strong so far. He helped the team to win its preseason opener game against the Washington Commanders 23-21. The 27-year-old finished four out of seven attempts and 45 yards while not posting any touchdowns. Meanwhile, former New York Jets Darnold made two of three for 16 yards and a single touchdown.
When asked about the starting QB race and whether or not Mayfield would start in this weekend’s matchup against the New England Patriots, Panthers head coach Matt Rhule’s response might not satisfy Mayfield’s fans.
“No, that was for today, that was just for today. So we’ll go back and look at this tape. Obviously, Sam got us in the end zone,” Rhule said in a post-game conference.
Regardless, Rhule seems satisfied and pleased with how both QBs have performed, saying the two “played well” and “made the right checks”.
“Baker led us down the field. Looked like both guys played well in terms of production. We’ll go back and look and see where they are,” Rhule continued.
“I have to really watch the tape to see exactly what they did, but I thought they were both in command. They made the right checks, so I was pleased.”
Mayfield’s trade to play in Carolina
Baker’s signing in Carolina was a culmination of a series of convoluted events that involved him and Browns’ newly hired QB Deshaun Watson. Having Watson onboard had affected Baker’s relationships with his former team.
That in addition to Watson’s injuries last season as well as dwindling performance had made him an easy-to-replace piece in the team. Mayfield had to request a trade and only on July 6 that the transaction eventually was greenlighted. The Browns agreed to trade Mayfield for a conditional 2024 draft pick
“Baker Mayfield infused our organization with tenacity and grit during his time as our starting quarterback,” Browns executive VP of football operations and general manager Andrew Berry said.
“Baker’s competitiveness, toughness and ability to persevere were all characteristics that endeared him to our city as well as his teammates. He will always have a unique place in Browns’ history for what he accomplished and we wish him well as he continues his career.”