The San Francisco 49ers were considered a team that would likely put in a claim for Baker Mayfield following his release from the Carolina Panthers, but the Los Angeles Rams may have something to say about that. With a glaring need at quarterback right now, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer is reporting that the Rams are expressing interest in claiming Mayfield.
Buy Rams TicketsI was told the Rams are looking into claiming Baker Mayfield. They're fourth in waiver priority—behind only the Texans, Bears and Broncos. https://t.co/MNJgd8p3wT
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 6, 2022
Matthew Stafford is set to miss the rest of the season for the Rams due to a neck/spinal injury and John Wolford is dealing with a neck injury of his own ahead of a Thursday night matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. Bryce Perkins is the only other quarterback on the active roster if Stafford and Wolford are sidelined.
Meanwhile, Mayfield was released by the Panthers on Monday as Carolina will lean on Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker for the rest of the season. And with the 49ers losing Jimmy Garoppolo for the rest of the year, Mayfield was considered a prospective replacement.
Despite San Francisco’s reported interest, Los Angeles is higher on the waiver priority. The Rams have the fourth spot in waiver priority, so unless the Houston Texans, the Chicago Bears, or the Denver Broncos place a claim on Mayfield, they would get the former first-round pick.
Mayfield has certainly struggled in recent years as he’s completed only 59.6 percent of his passes for 4,323 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions in his last 21 games. Even though the Rams aren’t searching for a long-term answer at quarterback, and Mayfield hasn’t performed well in quite some time, the reigning Super Bowl champions may want to get a look at him to potentially find a solution to their backup problem moving forward.
