Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield. Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

NFL insider: Panthers' starting QB gig is Baker Mayfield's 'job to lose'

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 8/8/22

Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold may still be splitting first-team reps at Carolina Panthers' training camp, but multiple league insiders believe that at this point, one of them has the upper hand for the starting job under center.

From Inside Training Camp: Initial reactions to #Panthers camp with @MikeGarafolo, including QB Baker Mayfield having the inside track at starting. pic.twitter.com/Zuz45pykQx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 8, 2022

During his first season with the Panthers in 2021, Darnold finished with a 59.9% completion percentage for 2,527 passing yards, nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 12 games (11 starts), while adding recording career highs in rushing attempts (48), rushing yards (222) and rushing touchdowns (five).

Acquired in early July via a trade with the Cleveland Browns, Mayfield registered a 60.5% completion percentage with 3,010 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions across 14 contests (all starts), to go along with 37 carries for 134 yards and one score on the ground.

The team's preseason opener is at 1 p.m. on Saturday against the Washington Commanders.

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