by By announcing that the Panthers are expected to release Quarterback Baker Mayfieldthe logical next train of thought revolves around where the former number 1 will end up next.
There are several teams that could benefit from a new quarterback. Here’s a quick look at which teams could be potential landing spots for Mayfield.
49ers: San Francisco comes to mind after the team lost Jimmy Garoppolo for the season on Sunday due to a broken foot. That 49ers are already without their original 2022 starter Trey Lance after he injured his ankle in Week 2. Now the 2022 team has “Mr. Irrelevant” Brock Purdy as an apparent starter for the foreseeable future. There is currently no backup quarterback listed on the team’s depth chart. Mayfield could fill that role for the NFC West-leading 49ers.
ravens: Baltimore may have lost Lamar Jackson after leaving Sunday’s game early with a knee injury. Coach John Harbaugh noted after the game that Jackson’s recovery is taking “days to weeks” meaning his absence could be significant for FC ravens. One benefit of Mayfield’s signing would be his familiarity with the AFC North, having spent four seasons with the Browns. The Ravens currently lead the AFC North.
Aries: Los Angeles put Matthew Stafford on injured reserve ahead of his Week 13 matchup against the Seahawks. He has been absent since week 11 when he sustained a neck injury and ended up on concussion protocol. The Rams have been juggling between reserves Bryce Perkins and John Wolford ever since. Mayfield could be added to the mix if the team seeks a veteran presence while Stafford is out.
lions: Though Detroit isn’t addressing quarterback issues right now, Mayfield does have a connection with the Lions’ front office. Detroit’s current executive director of personnel, John Dorsey, was the Browns’ general manager when the team drafted Mayfield. Dorsey could potentially lure his former quarterback to the Lions as a backup for Jared Goff.
packer: Starter Aaron Rodgers has been battling a thumb injury since Week 5 and a rib injury since Week 12. Though Rodgers hasn’t backed down from his desire to start despite the Packers’ slim chance of making the playoffs, that could change if Green Bay slides out of the postseason entirely. If the Packers close Rodgers in favor of second-year pro Jordan Love, Mayfield could be an attractive stopgap as a replacement.
texan: After starter Davis Mills started Houston’s season 1-8-1, coach Lovie Smith decided to give backup quarterback Kyle Allen a chance in the last two games. This move did not result in a win either. The Texans could take a flyer on Mayfield in hopes of bolstering their quarterbacking depth. However, the team will likely draft a QB in 2023.
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