Carolina Panthers HC Matt Rhule indicated while speaking with the media that QBs Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield will alternate days working with the first team offense. Darnold worked with the Panthers starters on Wednesday and Mayfield will receive first-team reps on Thursday. (USA Today)
Fantasy Impact
The Panthers have been unable to solve their QB problem since Cam Newton’s body began to fail him after he brought the team to the Super Bowl in 2015. This year’s attempt to find the answer at QB will come down to a QB competition between Mayfield and Darnold, who have both disappointed in their careers up to this point after being the first and third picks in the 2018 NFL Draft. HC Matt Rhule is reportedly on the hot seat after an unimpressive start to his tenure as the team's head coach, and his fate likely rides on the arm of one if not both of these QBs. Darnold and Mayfield's future as starting NFL QBs likely rides on the 2022 season as well, as a starting opportunity for either player isn’t likely to be in the cards if they have another disappointing season. Unless one QB clearly outshines the other in training camp, it’s unlikely that the Panthers will name their starter until much closer to Week 1.