Baker Mayfield denies any idea of trade request ahead of deadline
Given the circumstances from this past summer, Baker Mayfield was able to work himself into a pretty sweet situation with the Carolina Panthers. But now, just eight weeks into the season, that pretty sweet situation is kind of a sour one.
The former No. 1 overall pick, thanks to a high-ankle sprain and some awfully underwhelming performances on his end, is currently penciled in as the team’s backup quarterback to PJ Walker.
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So when asked on Thursday about his current role, Mayfield showed he was a true teammate through and through.
"I mean, obviously, I want to play," Mayfield told reporters. "I’m a competitor. We all want to play. That’s the nature of this business. That’s the nature of playing sports. But my role right now is to help us win any way I can. And that’s practicing, helping out in the QB room and doing scout team stuff and just trying to get under their skin on defense. So, I’m enjoying what I’m doing now.
"Yeah, like I said, I’d like to be out there. But PJ played his ass off and deserves to go out there again and play. So, I’ll do whatever I can to help this team win."
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Mayfield was also asked if he’s interested in being moved, perhaps to a team where he can play. But he didn’t seem too into it.
"I want to be here," Mayfield said. "I've spent enough time with these guys that I want to be here. It's out of my control, but just roll with the punches."
Mayfield made five starts this season. He completed 54.9% of his passes for 962 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions.
This probably wasn’t the prove-it campaign Mayfield had hoped for. Nonetheless, he’s here for the Panthers and for Walker as they shoot for first place in the NFC South this weekend.