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It’s going to take a little time for Baker Mayfield to get used to not being a franchise QB anymore.
Earlier this week, Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks announced that he was going to bench a healthy Mayfield in favor of PJ Walker.
“We’ve seen over the last couple of weeks, with (Walker) putting the time in … he’s shown that he can handle certain things,” Wilks said. “So I’m very pleased.”
“Baker, to me, has been the ultimate, ultimate pro,” “As a guy who I know personally being around him and knowing that he is such a competitor. All these guys wanna play. And they should. I mean, that’s their mentality. But he’s supported PJ on and off the field. And to see him do what he did—just a testament to who he is as a person.”
During the Panthers practice session, the former #1 overall pick was seen playing defensive end for the scout team defense in practice.
Impressed with @bakermayfield. Doing whatever is asked and then some. @Panthers @CSLonQCN pic.twitter.com/AY8k9YjOAo
— Mike Lacett (@mikelacett) November 2, 2022
On Thursday, Mayfield reacted to his new role with the team.
“You want to get to the point when you can showcase on Sundays what you’re capable of, but that’s not my role…Right now it’s supporting this group, competing with the quarterback competition every day in practice and trying to get the defense prepared for Sunday, it takes everybody and this is why this is the ultimate team sport. It’s a different role for me, for sure. But just finding my way through it
The newly mustachioed Baker Mayfield on being the backup in Carolina: “It’s a different role for me, for sure. But just finding my way through it.” pic.twitter.com/IDhPVzu063
— Joe Person (@josephperson) November 3, 2022
QB Baker Mayfield: “I’m rolling with the punches, helping this team out in any way I can. I came here to win. If my role is to help PJ out from the sideline & help this defense out in scout team then I’m gonna do it & I’m gonna do it with everything I can. That’s just who I am.” pic.twitter.com/qKTZpcwo7j
— Ellis L. Williams (@BookofEllis) October 27, 2022