After a disappointing seven games, the Carolina Panthers released former Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield on Monday.
He is now free to sign with another team, and there has been no shortage of rumors about where he may be headed.
There are a few teams that could use a QB right now, especially one as talented as Mayfield, and although he obviously comes with some considerable baggage, one of the following teams could very well take a shot at him.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers lost Jimmy Garoppolo for the season after he suffered a foot injury early in their win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, forcing Brock Purdy, the last player chosen in April’s draft, to man the quarterback spot.
He played solid ball, but he is inexperienced, and the Niners can’t necessarily count on him to hold the fort down.
Mayfield has been linked to San Francisco as a result.
https://twitter.com/RGIII/status/1599797861608148993
Baker Mayfield, Super Bowl champion with the San Francisco 49ers. https://t.co/hcjbwih4jj
— JJ Zachariason (@LateRoundQB) December 5, 2022
If you legitimately think the 49ers are better off starting Brock Purdy than picking up Baker Mayfield then you have eliminated yourself from being taken seriously
— Josh Callaway (@JoshMCallaway) December 6, 2022
However, the 49ers and head coach Kyle Shanahan have built a winning culture over the last few years, and there is the risk that Mayfield could taint their homeostasis.
Baker Mayfield going to the 49ers to ruin their team after already ruining the Browns and Panthers: pic.twitter.com/Nt1GmiqEyR
— Joe (@GiantsSBchamps) December 5, 2022
Baltimore Ravens
This seems like more of a long shot, but anything is possible at this point.
The Ravens’ franchise QB, Lamar Jackson, suffered a knee injury, and his status moving forward is unknown.
If it looks like he could miss more than a week or two, could the Ravens give Mayfield a call?
With an 8-4 record, they’re tied with the Cincinnati Bengals for the best mark in the AFC North, and one or two extra losses could cost them a playoff spot, as the final spot is currently held by the 7-5 New York Jets.
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