On Wednesday, Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said a decision on the team’s ongoing quarterback competition could come in two weeks (it won’t) or could even come as soon as, well, now. And now, a late night scoop from The Athletic may have that very decision.
According to Jeff Howe and Joseph Person, the Panthers will likely be awarding the starting job under center to Baker Mayfield. That, as also indicated by the report, was always the expectation—way back when Carolina acquired the former No. 1 overall pick on July 6.
“The Carolina Panthers are expected to name Baker Mayfield their starting quarterback against the Cleveland Browns for Week 1 of the 2022 season, sources confirmed to The Athletic,” Person and Howe note. “He’s been competing with Sam Darnold but should be declared the starter when the team is ready to make the announcement.”
As far as when that announcement will be made, Rhule divulged very little detail following the second joint practice with the New England Patriots earlier in the day.
“I think the thing I’ve said all along is, ya know, I wanted to at least get to this point—when we know, we know,” he said. “It could be at any point. It could be two more weeks from now, it could be now. I know that’s not the answer you guys want and I’m not saying it’s two weeks from now. I’m just saying we’re just making sure we’re thorough.
“Coming off the field like this, we’ll make sure you always watch the tape and see where we are. We have a really good plan. We’re not winging it. We have a really good plan. And I just sometimes don’t feel at liberty to share it out of respect for the guys.”
So, that plan will probably see the Panthers head into the opener with their fourth different starting quarterback in as many seasons. And it’ll also see Mayfield try to get some sweet revenge on his old pals.
