Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback Baker Mayfield Throws Shade at Carolina Panthers Ahead of Sunday’s Matchup

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up to take on the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, and quarterback Baker Mayfield is already making headlines with his comments about his former team, the Carolina Panthers. When asked if he and current Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold “reminisce about the good old days in Carolina,” Mayfield responded with a pause, saying “Uh, reminisce about what days?” and then definitively stating “No, we don’t.” This exchange has drawn attention, given Mayfield’s tumultuous tenure with the Panthers in 2022, where he went 1-5 as a starter before being released.

Mayfield’s Time with the Panthers

Mayfield’s experience with the Panthers was marked by challenges, including a high ankle sprain in Week 5, which led to PJ Walker taking over as starter for several games. After his return, Mayfield was benched in Week 11, coinciding with his eventual departure from the team. Despite the difficulties, Mayfield acknowledged the positive aspects of his time in Carolina, particularly the camaraderie in the quarterback room with Darnold and Walker. “That whole QB room with PJ Walker, Sam, and I — it was fun,” Mayfield said, highlighting the supportive environment they shared.

Darnold’s Journey and Comparison to Mayfield

Darnold’s career path has been similar to Mayfield’s, with both quarterbacks experiencing their share of ups and downs. Darnold was traded to the Panthers in 2021 and went 4-7 as a starter that season. After being traded to the San Francisco 49ers and then signing with the Minnesota Vikings, Darnold found success, going 14-3 as a starter before losing in the wild card round. He has since signed a three-year deal with the Seahawks worth $100.5 million, with $50 million guaranteed. Mayfield, on the other hand, signed a one-year deal with the Buccaneers in 2023, led the team to a division title, and was subsequently rewarded with a three-year deal worth $100 million.

Key highlights of Mayfield’s and Darnold’s careers include:
* Mayfield’s 9-8 record and division title with the Buccaneers in 2023
* Darnold’s 14-3 record as a starter with the Vikings in 2024
* Mayfield’s three-year deal with the Buccaneers worth $100 million
* Darnold’s three-year deal with the Seahawks worth $100.5 million

Mayfield expressed his happiness for Darnold’s success, saying, “Sam and I are really close. I’m happy for him — from going a couple different places that weren’t great for us to having a good opportunity elsewhere, it’s fun to see.” However, he also acknowledged the competitive aspect of their upcoming matchup, stating, “I knew he just needed that chance, and he’s thriving now. It’s good to see, but hopefully not this weekend.”

Connections and Rivalries

The connections between Mayfield, Darnold, and their former teams add an interesting layer to their upcoming matchup. PJ Walker, who also spent time with the Panthers, signed with the Browns in 2023 and was with the Seahawks in training camp last season. Mayfield’s comments about the Panthers and his history with the team’s defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks, who cut him from the Panthers, have also drawn attention. Wilks praised Mayfield but also responded to Mayfield’s comments about being cut, saying an interim coach does not have significant authority over personnel decisions.

Upcoming Matchup and Implications

As the Buccaneers prepare to face the Seahawks, Mayfield’s comments about the Panthers have sparked interest and added to the hype surrounding the game. The matchup will feature two quarterbacks with similar career paths but distinct experiences and outcomes. Mayfield’s success with the Buccaneers and Darnold’s resurgence with the Seahawks make for a compelling storyline, especially given their history together in Carolina.

In conclusion, Baker Mayfield’s recent comments about the Carolina Panthers have set the stage for an intriguing matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Seattle Seahawks. As Mayfield faces off against his former teammate Sam Darnold, the game promises to be a clash of quarterbacks with complex histories and a deep understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

Keywords: Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks, NFL, quarterback, matchup, rivalry, career path, success, failure, comeback, sports news, football.

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