Panthers name Baker Mayfield starting quarterback for Week 1 vs Browns

The Carolina Panthers have named their starting quarterback. 

Baker Mayfield will face off against his former team when the Panthers host the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 11.

“When we started this process, we were looking at three things,” head coach Matt Rhule said. “No. 1: mastery of the offense, No. 2: situational football excellence, and No. 3: moving the ball and getting guys involved. That’s been our focus all along.” 

PANTHERS ROOKIE MATT CORRAL’S SEASON IN JEOPARDY AFTER SIGNIFICANT FOOT INJURY 

“Baker has made a lot of improvement, a lot of growth in all three areas in a short amount of time.”

Sam Darnold and PJ Walker will serve as backups after rookie Matt Corral is expected to miss a significant amount of time after sustaining a torn ligament in his left foot during Carolina’s 20-10 preseason loss against the New England Patriots. 

Mayfield spent four seasons with the Browns. He led Cleveland to a playoff win in 2020, their first playoff win since the 1994 season. It was also Cleveland’s first playoff appearance since 2002 and first winning season since 2007.

His 2021 season was in disarray as he tried to play through injuries. In 14 games, he had 3,010 passing yards, 17 touchdown passes, and 13 interceptions.

The Browns will be without starting quarterback Deshaun Watson after he agreed to an 11-game suspension and a $5 million fine following the NFL’s investigation into 24 accusations of sexual misconduct leveled against him during his tenure with the Houston Texans. 

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.