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Insider explains why Panthers might keep Baker Mayfield benched
Insider explains why Panthers might keep Baker Mayfield benched,The Panthers might have another incentive to keep Mayfield sidelined until further notice.

Insider explains why Panthers might keep Baker Mayfield benched

The Carolina Panthers have multiple reasons to keep former Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield sidelined until further notice. 

“The 2024 conditional pick sent to the Browns when the Panthers acquired Mayfield in July goes from a fourth- to a fifth-rounder if Mayfield doesn’t play 70% of the snaps,” ESPN’s David Newton explained for a piece published Thursday. “He’s currently around 60%.” 

Additionally, Newton noted that Panthers interim coach Steve Wilks “wants to get a look at last season’s starter Sam Darnold” in a system run by offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. Darnold hasn’t played yet this season due to the high left ankle sprain he initially suffered in August but was activated off injured reserve on Monday. Meanwhile, former Carolina head coach Matt Rhule hired McAdoo in January of this year. 

The Panthers parted ways with Rhule on Oct. 10. 

Mayfield missed time this fall with a left ankle sprain but replaced P.J. Walker in what became this past Sunday’s 42-21 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals that dropped the Panthers to 2-7. In total, the first pick of the 2018 NFL Draft completed 14 of 20 pass attempts for 155 yards and two touchdowns against the Bengals but nevertheless remains second on the Panthers depth chart behind Walker heading into the “Thursday Night Football” game against the 4-5 Atlanta Falcons. 

“So while Mayfield will be Walker’s backup against Atlanta, there’s a chance he will be inactive the following week against the Baltimore Ravens with Darnold elevated to the backup role,” Newton wrote. 

Newton added: 

“A personnel source said there’s also a chance the Panthers release Mayfield in the coming weeks if Walker bounces back from Sunday’s outing — 3-of-10 passing for 9 yards, two interceptions and a 0.0 passer rating in the first half before being benched for Mayfield — against Atlanta. Or even if Walker doesn’t bounce back.” 

Per ESPN stats, Mayfield is dead last among eligible quarterbacks with a 16.9 total QBR and 34th with a 56.6% completion percentage on the campaign. In six appearances, he’s thrown six touchdown passes and four interceptions.