Richard Sherman has torn into Baker Mayfield after his release from the Carolina Panthers, with multiple analysts suggesting he could be the next starter for the Super Bowl-contending San Francisco 49ers.
The Panthers confirmed that they had released Mayfield on Monday afternoon after he had become the third-string quarterback behind Sam Darnold and PJ Walker, in what is a new low for the former number one overall draft pick.
And with the Niners now looking for a quarterback after both Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance have been lost to season-ending injuries, Sherman was asked if Mayfield makes sense for the team.
He responded: "I don't think he makes sense anywhere. I am sure he can back somebody up, but people give too many opportunities to guys in the first round because of where they were picked.
"If you treat him like a fifth, sixth or seventh round pick gets treated, you'd look at his body of work instead of saying things such as "He's got all the talent in the world and 'ceiling' and yada yada. I am sure somebody will give him an opportunity because he went so far in the draft, but I wouldn't."
Mayfield's has had a quick downfall his rookie year in 2018 and in 2020, two seasons in which he performed as one of the better quarterbacks in the league. But after a poor 2021, in which he struggled with a torn labrum, Mayfield was made available after his former team, the Cleveland Browns traded for Deshaun Watson.
Mayfield was sent to the Panthers, and did win the starting job, but hugely struggled in his six games as a starter, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, before losing his place to Walker and now Darnold.
As well as his decline in form, many have also questioned Mayfield's character as a leader, with suggestions that players do not want to play for him.
Throughout NFL history, players who have been drafted higher are usually given plenty of opportunities, especially at the quarterback decision as Sherman suggested.
In the same 2018 draft, Josh Rosen was selected as the 10th overall player, and has been given six different contracts from six different teams, earning over $18 million whilst throwing 12 touchdowns, 21 interceptions and only starting 16 games.
Sherman himself, was a fifth-round selection, and will likely go into the hall of fame as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL from 2011-2020
