Mayfield, Darnold Decline Reminiscing Panthers Days Ahead Head-to-Head

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, both former Carolina Panthers players, have experienced career resurgences since leaving the struggling Panthers. Mayfield, who went 1-5 as a starter with Carolina before being released in 2022, dismissed any nostalgia for his time there, sarcastically responding "Reminisce about what days?" when asked about "good old days" with Darnold. Despite their shared struggles in Carolina—where Darnold went 4-7 in 2021 and Mayfield battled injuries and benchings—the two remain close friends and have thrived after moving to new teams. Mayfield led the Buccaneers to consecutive division titles and playoff wins, earning a lucrative contract extension, while Darnold is off to a strong start with Seattle. Their stories underscore the importance of finding the right team fit for quarterbacks to reach their potential, reflecting poorly on the Panthers' recent quarterback decisions. Mayfield's candid remarks and the contrasting fortunes of both players highlight how the Panthers' 2022 season was widely seen as a low point for the franchise.