The Carolina Panthers and quarterback Baker Mayfield have parted ways after what has been a tumultuous season for both parties, but the news of the departure – the Monday morning after the team’s bye week – was a surprise to everyone.
That morning, interim head coach Steve Wilks informed the quarterbacks his decision to start Sam Darnold against the Seahawks and have PJ Walker serve as backup – essentially moving Mayfield to third string on the depth chart. Shortly afterward, Mayfield informed the team of his request to be released – which the team honored.
“Baker has been nothing but a professional since he’s been here,” Wilks said during his Monday press conference. “I have tremendous respect for him. This is a tough business and sitting in this seat is a tough decision on my part, but this is something I felt was the best move for the team going forward.”
“We wanted to give him the opportunity to be able to seek whatever he and his agent thought would be the best for them,” Wilks continued when asked if Mayfield asked to be released after learning he would not be the backup. “He has been nothing but a professional for us, so I wanted to extend that courtesy.”
Mayfield ends his career in Carolina starting in seven games, passing for 1,313 yards, with six touchdowns and six interceptions.