Could Carolina be Baker Mayfield’s last chance in 2022

It’s been quite a year for former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield. This time last year, there was optimism surrounding Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns after they earned their first playoff win since 1994. Before the Browns moved to Baltimore.

Then Mayfield suffered a torn labrum. Playing through the injury, Mayfield’s 2021 left the Browns front office questioning whether or not he was the future. After a contentious offseason and a trade for Deshaun Watson, Mayfield ultimately was traded to Carolina.

With a healthy shoulder and a fresh opportunity, Mayfield has a chance to rebuild his reputation. But is this his last chance?

Nate Davis of USA TODAY Sports took a look at 22 recent first round picks that might be out of chances heading into 2022. Here’s what Davis had to say about the quarterback battle in Carolina between former first rounders, Sam Darnold and former Sooner Baker Mayfield.

The most compelling quarterback battle of the summer is being waged by two of the top three selections of the 2018 draft, though neither Darnold (third overall to the Jets) nor Mayfield (first overall to the Browns) remains with his original team. Each was initially due a fully guaranteed $18.9 million in the final year of his rookie contract, though Mayfield accepted a $3.5 million pay cut – he can earn it all back by hitting several incentives – to facilitate his trade from Cleveland just one year after Darnold was dealt to Carolina. They’re currently alternating first-team training camps every other day, each hoping to earn the QB1 gig from embattled coach Matt Rhule while trying to parlay the opportunity into major payday from the Panthers or another team in free agency next year. This could be the final shot for one or both passers to establish himself as an NFL starter – and limiting turnovers and poor decision making will be crucial for Mayfield and Darnold. But having a playmaking duo of
RB Christian McCaffrey and WR DJ Moore should…