Browns will officially face Baker Mayfield in Week 1

The Cleveland Browns will face Baker Mayfield in Week 1 as he was officially named the starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers

We’ve known for a while that the Cleveland Browns would see Baker Mayfield in Week 1. Now, we officially know he will be the quarterback they try and stop down in Charlotte.

The leaks started over the weekend but the Carolina Panthers made it official on Monday, Mayfield has been named the starting quarterback for his new club.

In order to win the job, he had to beat out Sam Darnold, which he already did back in 2018.

Mayfield and Darnold were the top two quarterbacks taken in the NFL Draft that year and up until the selection was announced, it was assumed Darnold would be the safe pick.

But then John Dorsey and the Browns announced Mayfield as their guy and Darnold went to the New York Jets at No. 3 overall. He lasted three seasons with New York before being traded to the Panthers last year.

Baker Mayfield gives Panthers more hope

At first, Darnold looked to be a steal for Carolina. He led them to three straight wins but then the wheels fell off and the team finished 5-13.

This led to them making a move in the draft for Matt Corral — who recently suffered a lisfranc injury and will miss his rookie campaign — and Mayfield.

For a future late-round pick, the Panthers added someone who gives them a much better chance at success than Darnold does. While Darnold had his moments, Mayfield exudes more confidence and has not only made the postseason, but helped his team secure a win on the road in the playoffs.

Change is constant for Baker Mayfield

Of course, the main issue for Mayfield is that he’s again on a new head coach. Since entering the NFL, he’s now had five head coaches with Matt Rhule being the latest.

Making things murkier is the belief that Rhule is on the hot seat after posting a 10-23 record in two seasons.

Thankfully for Mayfield, he’s used to learning new systems.