The Carolina Panthers had two Pro Bowl quarterbacks on the team at one time, and somehow messed it up
What do Tampa Bay Buccaneer star quarterback Baker Mayfield and Minnesota Vikings signal caller Sam Darnold have in common? Well, they were both members of the 2018 NFL Draft class. They are also thriving on teams that did not draft them, and it wouldn’t be overly surprising if each earned a Pro Bowl opportunity this […]
What do Tampa Bay Buccaneer star quarterback Baker Mayfield and Minnesota Vikings signal caller Sam Darnold have in common? Well, they were both members of the 2018 NFL Draft class. They are also thriving on teams that did not draft them, and it wouldn’t be overly surprising if each earned a Pro Bowl opportunity this season.
They both were also actually former teammates as well. After turbulent starts to their careers respectively, Darnold and Mayfield were looking for their next opportunities not too long ago. Just two seasons ago, both were members of the Carolina Panthers, hoping to find solid footing and a new home.
Neither did overly well during that brief sprint. During that 2022 season, they combined to throw for 2,456 yards, 13 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. As a tandem, Darnold and Mayfielx managed to complete less than 59 percent of their passes, and went just 5-7 as starters for the team.
Fast forward just two seasons, and both players not only have another opportunity, but are each thriving. Mayfield has really found a home with the Buccaneers. After earning a Pro Bowl honor in 2023, he has taken his game to an even higher level this fall. Mayfield has thrown for 4.279 yards and 39 touchdowns, completing over 71 percent of his passes.
You could argue that Darnold has been even better, seemingly having become the frontrunner for the Comeback Player of the Year award. Darnold has helped to lead the Vikings to a 14-2 overall record, throwing for 4.153 yards and 35 touchdowns. He has also averaged over 68 percent of his passes.
The Carolina Panthers have become one of the biggest jokes of a franchise in the NFL. They have continuously had issues at the quarterback position, and are still trying to figure out if Bryce Young is the answer. It’s hilarious to think that they may have had two Pro Bowl quarterbacks on the roster so recently amidst the struggles.
