If it was up to Steve Smith Jr.., Baker Mayfield would already be named the Panthers starting quarterback and Sam Darnold would be elsewhere.
The former Panthers receiver endorsed Mayfield for the job and took some shots at Darnold during the team’s second preseason game, saying Darnold would “put you to sleep reading a book” and compared his energy to that of a “librarian.”
Carolina coach Matt Rhule has yet to name his Week 1 starter, although The Athletic has reported that Mayfield, the former No. 1 overall pick of the Browns, is expected to be the guy. Neither quarterback played in the Panthers’ second preseason game against the Patriots.
Sam Darnold, left, and Baker Mayfield AP
Former Panthers receiver Steve Smith Getty Images“Charisma, swagger, John Wayne mentality,” Smith said of Mayfield. “Baker Mayfield has outplayed Sam Darnold.’’
Of Darnold, Smith said, “He’s going to put you to sleep, reading a book. We don’t need any librarians.”
It’s widely expected that head coach Matt Rhule will tap Mayfield to be the starter after trading for him from the Cleveland Browns in June, according to The Athletic.
In late July, Smith made similar comments about the quarterbacks.
“So when it’s an open competition, the guy who can handle the most pressure I believe is Baker Mayfield. He will take that quarterback position because they’re also doing alternate reps with the first team,” Smith said then on NFL Network. “So that’s telling you they want to make the right decision with the right guys and go throw-for-throw. That’s very abnormal, but it’s exciting as a fan to watch.”
Oddly, Smith has defended Darnold in the past, and been critical of Mayfield.
He said that Mayfield was “not very good” when the quarterback was with the Browns, and faulted the Panthers last year more than Darnold for the team’s struggles. Smith, however, seems to have changed his tune on the two signal-callers.
