Sam Darnold Says 'It Sucks' to Lose Panthers' QB Battle to Baker Mayfield

Sam Darnold didn't hold back when it came to his reaction to losing the competition.

It sucks for me to be honest.

After the team's second preseason game, head coach Matt Rhule named Baker as the starting quarterback. Rhule still thought the backup was good.

Most teams will play multiple quarterbacks, according to the coach. "Sam has worked incredibly hard, played well for us during training camp, and will be ready to go if we need him."

In each of his four years as a starter, he has been with the New York Jets and the Carolinas. He appeared in 12 games in 2021, but he had just nine passing touchdown and 13 turnovers for a 71.9 rating.

His total QBR was 29th among 31 qualified players.

In the off-season, the Carolinas searched for other options, and they finally added Cleveland's Baker Mayfield in a July trade.

The two had split first-team reps in practices, but neither was hurt. He scored a touchdown in the first week of the season. The quarterback went 7-of-7 for 45 yards.

In the first week of the regular season, he will try to get revenge against his old team.

If he stays second on the depth chart, he won't have a chance to prove himself this year.