Former Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield officially has a new NFL home. According to reports across the league, the Los Angeles Rams acquired the rights to Mayfield’s contract after putting in a claim on waivers. Mayfield is still set to hit free agency following the conclusion of the 2022 NFL season.
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
Los Angeles Rams Acquire Baker Mayfield on Waivers
Mayfield joins his new organization after a dismal tenure in Carolina. Arriving late in the offseason via trade, the quarterback struggled to consistently move the ball in his new environment. Appearing in seven games while making six starts, the former first-overall pick completed just 57.8% of his passes for 1,313 yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions. Despite entering the season as the starter, Mayfield finished his tenure in Carolina after falling behind both Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker on the depth chart.
Mayfield originally entered the NFL as the first-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Selected by the Cleveland Browns, Mayfield began his career behind Tyrod Taylor on Hue Jackson’s Cleveland Browns. However, Mayfield quickly earned the starting job and immediately demonstrated why he was the first pick in the draft. Starting 13 games, the rookie completed 63.8% of his passes for 3,725 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
Unfortunately, Mayfield wasn’t able to follow up on his impressive rookie season. The quarterback took a step back in 2019, completing just 59.4% of his passes for 3,827 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. He was better in 2020, completing 62.8% of his passes for 3,563 yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions while guiding the Browns to their first playoff win since 1995.
Mayfield suffered a shoulder injury early in 2021 and never regained his 2020 form. Starting all 16 games, the quarterback finished the year completing 60.5% of his passes for 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Following the disappointing campaign, the Browns traded for Deshaun Watson, effectively spelling the end of Mayfield’s time in Cleveland.
Throughout the course of his career, Mayfield has completed 61.2% of his passing attempts for 15,438 yards, 98 touchdowns, and 62 interceptions.
