Baker Mayfield has a new team. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Mayfield, who spent this season as a member of the Carolina Panthers until he was waived on Monday, will head to the west coast and become the latest member of the Los Angeles Rams’ hobbled quarterback room.
Former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield was claimed on waivers today by the Los Angeles Rams, per league sources. The Rams now inherit the remaining $1.35 million on Mayfield’s contract. Mayfield is expected to fly to LA by tonight and could play Thursday night vs. the Raiders. pic.twitter.com/CAIVhY25Nu
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 6, 2022
The #Rams have claimed QB Baker Mayfield, per and @TomPelissero. Added depth with Matthew Stafford on IR, Mayfield has a chance for a fresh start under Sean McVay. pic.twitter.com/iUuBCsgKOF
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 6, 2022
It has been a rough year in Los Angeles, particularly when it comes to their signal callers. The defending Super Bowl winners are 3-9, putting them in last place in the NFC West, while starting QB Matthew Stafford and top backup John Wolford are both sidelined with injuries. The only healthy QB on the roster is second-year quarterback Bryce Perkins.
According to Schefter, the health of the room played a role in the decision to claim Mayfield off of waivers. There’s also the fact that they could potentially receive draft capital this offseason, depending on how things go with him. And to top it all off, the Rams apparently believe in the talent possessed by the former No. 1 overall pick.
Some of why the Rams claimed Baker Mayfield: They believe in his talent. They need a QB with Matthew Stafford sidelined for the season and John Wolford dealing with a neck injury. And if Mayfield signs elsewhere this off-season, the Rams could get back a compensatory draft pick.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 6, 2022
After spending the entirety of his career prior to this season with the Cleveland Browns, Mayfield joined the Panthers this past offseason. He appeared in six games with seven starts and completed 57.8 percent of his passes with six touchdowns and six interceptions.