The Carolina Panthers announced on Monday they have waived veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield. Panthers coach Steve Wilks told reporters Monday that Sam Darnold will start in Week 14; and P.J. Walker will be the second-string quarterback. Said Wilks of Mayfield: “Baker has been nothing but a professional since he’s been here. He is a complete pro. I have tremendous respect for him. He and I had a conversation and I talked about my decision at the time. … This is a tough business. Sitting in this seat, it’s a tough decision on my part, but it was something I felt was the best move for the team moving forward.”
Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, completed a career-low 57.8% of his throws for 1,313 yards, six scores and six interceptions in seven games this season and posted a 1-5 record as a starter. The 27-year-old, who joined the Panthers in a July trade from the Cleveland Browns, completed 21 of 33 passes for 196 yards and two interceptions in his last start, a 13-3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore on Nov. 20.
The Panthers (4-8) were on bye in Week 13, and will face the Seattle Seahawks (7-5) at 4:25 p.m. EST Sunday in Seattle.
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