Los Angeles Rams Eyeing Quarterback Mayfield

The Los Angeles Rams might have a surprising face at quarterback for the closing stretch of the season. According to ProFootballTalk, the team is considering linking up with recently waived Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Don’t be surprised if the Rams end up with Baker Mayfield.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 6, 2022

The Panthers decided to part ways with Mayfield earlier this week. He'll be on the waiver wire until Tuesday afternoon. It remains to be seen whether the Rams intend to place a claim or work out a deal with the former first-overall pick should he hit unrestricted free agency.

Mayfield is unlikely to rescue the Rams' putrid season, and the Rams are unlikely to resurrect his flailing career. At 3-9, the team is likely just looking for a competent hand to go down with the ship in a failed season. Barring catastrophic long-term ramifications for quarterback Matt Stafford's recent spat of injuries, they're not looking for a starter beyond this season. Mayfield would have little chance to distinguish himself on the Rams' offense, anyway. They rank 29th in scoring and starting wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson aren't presently available.

Mayfield's release constitutes a stunning fall from grace for the 2018 NFL Draft's first-overall pick. He has gone from leading the Cleveland Browns to their first playoff win since 1994 in 2020 to an afterthought in 2022. His days as a starter may be coming to a close, and his celebrity and high profile could keep him from being considered a viable backup in all but the stablest of quarterback rooms. He ends his brief tenure with the Panthers with a 1-5 record, 1187 net passing yards, and a 6/6 touchdown to interception ratio.