The NFL is serving up a tantalizing quarterback showdown this Sunday as the Seattle Seahawks prepare to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lumen Field in a pivotal Week 5 clash. All eyes are on Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold—two former Carolina Panthers teammates and top picks from the 2018 draft—who are set to face each other for the first time as starting quarterbacks for their new teams. With both franchises riding the momentum of strong starts, the matchup promises drama, grit, and a touch of nostalgia for fans who remember their intertwined journeys.
For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 2025 season has started with a burst of energy, largely thanks to the resurgence of Baker Mayfield. The former No. 1 overall pick, who once shouldered the weighty expectations of being the Cleveland Browns' franchise savior, has found new life in Florida. As of October 2, 2025, Mayfield has led the Bucs to a strong early record, steering the team through tough contests and quickly endearing himself to the fanbase. Yet, last week brought a dose of reality as Tampa Bay suffered its first loss of the season at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles—a game that exposed both strengths and vulnerabilities.
Mayfield, ever the competitor, hasn’t let that setback dampen his spirits. His journey has been anything but straightforward. After being traded from Cleveland in 2022, Mayfield battled for the starting role in Carolina—where he squared off against none other than Sam Darnold. Though their time as Panthers was fraught with uncertainty, it forged a surprising bond between the two quarterbacks. Despite their rivalry for the starting job, both men left Carolina with mutual respect and, as it turns out, a lasting friendship.
“Sam and I are really close,” Mayfield said ahead of Sunday’s much-anticipated matchup. “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. I knew he just needed that chance, and he’s thriving now. It’s good to see.” Mayfield’s words echo a sense of camaraderie that’s rare in the cutthroat world of professional football, especially among players who once competed for the same job.
But don’t expect the quarterbacks to wax poetic about their Carolina days. When a reporter asked Mayfield if he and Darnold ever reminisce about their time as Panthers, Mayfield was quick to shut it down. “Uh, do we reminisce about what days? Nope. No, we don’t.” It’s clear that both men have their sights set firmly on the present—and perhaps, the future.
The Seahawks, meanwhile, are riding a wave of momentum into Week 5. After a disappointing opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle has rattled off three consecutive victories, putting them at 3-1 and squarely in the thick of the NFC playoff picture. Much of that success can be traced to the steady hand of Sam Darnold, who is in his first season with the Seahawks after nearly guiding the Minnesota Vikings to the NFC’s top seed last year. Darnold’s journey has been just as winding as Mayfield’s: drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, he landed in Carolina in 2021 before finding his latest home in the Pacific Northwest.
Darnold’s respect for Mayfield runs deep, and he’s never shied away from praising his former teammate’s tenacity. “It’s always fun to compete and to be able to have someone to compete with,” Darnold reflected on their time as Panthers. “At the same time, in our eyes, we’re both the starting quarterback for this team right now, and that’s how we’re going to view it. Any time you bring someone of Baker’s competitive level—the way he competes out there on Sundays, and not only on Sundays but also on the practice field—it can only help the room, and it can only help our team.”
As the narrative builds around their friendly rivalry, Darnold is quick to clarify that business always comes first. “Me and Baker are cool … We’re going to be able to compete and have fun with it. But at the end of the day, this is a business, and we both take our craft and what we do very seriously. So it’s going to be very serious when it’s time to compete. But off the field and all that stuff, me and Baker are really cool.”
Both quarterbacks, now on lucrative contracts exceeding $100 million, have finally found stability after years of uncertainty. Their parallel journeys—from highly touted prospects to embattled starters, and now to leaders of playoff hopefuls—mirror the unpredictable nature of the NFL itself. For fans, Sunday’s game is more than just a contest between two teams; it’s a showcase of resilience, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of redemption.
Adding to the intrigue, the Buccaneers are still without their dynamic second-year running back, Bucky Irving, who continues to nurse foot and shoulder injuries. Irving’s absence has been felt, especially in the ground game, but Tampa Bay has managed to compensate with the return of several key starters in recent weeks. The question remains: can the Bucs keep pace against a surging Seahawks squad without one of their most explosive playmakers?
Seattle, for its part, has found ways to win in close contests, relying on a balanced attack and a defense that’s tightened up since Week 1. The energy at Lumen Field is sure to be electric, with fans eager to witness Darnold’s home debut against a formidable Buccaneers defense. The stakes are high, and with both teams sitting at 3-1, the outcome could have early playoff implications in a crowded NFC race.
Beyond the stats and storylines, this game is a testament to the resilience of two quarterbacks who refused to let early setbacks define their careers. They’ve weathered trades, benchings, injuries, and the relentless scrutiny that comes with being a top draft pick. Now, with fresh starts and new cities behind them, Mayfield and Darnold are proving that sometimes, all it takes is the right opportunity—and a little bit of luck—to rewrite the script.
As kickoff approaches, the spotlight will shine brightest on the men under center. Will Mayfield’s fiery leadership propel the Buccaneers back into the win column? Can Darnold continue his impressive run and cement his place as Seattle’s franchise quarterback? One thing’s for sure: with so much at stake and so many storylines converging, Sunday’s showdown at Lumen Field is must-see football.
With the action set to unfold and both teams hungry for another statement win, fans can expect a fiercely contested battle between two quarterbacks who know each other better than most. The NFL rarely offers up such poetic matchups, and as the Buccaneers and Seahawks take the field, the echoes of their shared past will only add intrigue to what’s shaping up to be a classic encounter.
For now, the only certainty is that Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold are ready to compete—seriously, and with a smile—while the rest of us watch, wonder, and wait to see who will seize the moment in this high-stakes NFL showdown.
