Rams Claim Baker Mayfield After Being Waived By Panthers

The Los Angeles Rams’ 2022 season has been a nightmare after they have dealt with numerous injuries to just about all of their key players.

That includes the quarterback position where Matthew Stafford has missed time due to head and neck injuries. With the Rams out of the postseason race, they recently put Stafford on injured reserve with his season coming to an end.

Stafford’s primary backup, John Wolford, has also dealt with some injuries himself, which has allowed Bryce Perkins to get some time the last few weeks.

Neither of the Rams’ backups have impressed, and it appears Les Snead and Sean McVay will get a look at another quarterback to close out the season. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Rams claimed Baker Mayfield after he was waived by the Carolina Panthers:

Former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield was claimed on waivers today by the Los Angeles Rams, per league sources. The Rams now inherit the remaining $1.35 million on Mayfield’s contract. Mayfield is expected to fly to LA by tonight and could play Thursday night vs. the Raiders. pic.twitter.com/CAIVhY25Nu

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 6, 2022

Some of why the Rams claimed Baker Mayfield: They believe in his talent. They need a QB with Matthew Stafford sidelined for the season and John Wolford dealing with a neck injury. And if Mayfield signs elsewhere this off-season, the Rams could get back a compensatory draft pick.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 6, 2022

Mayfield is a former No. 1 overall pick whose career is hanging on by a thread after struggling with the Cleveland Browns and Panthers.

In seven games for the Panthers this season (six starts), Mayfield completed 57.8% of his passes for 1,313 yards and six touchdowns with six interceptions.

As a former No. 1 overall pick there obviously is still some upside there, and perhaps the Rams feel that getting him with McVay will unlock that potential.

Regardless, the Rams only have a few meaningless games left this season so may as well get a look at Mayfield and see what he can do. If he does well then perhaps the Rams keep him around as their backup next season, or if he signs elsewhere in free agency then they would get a comp pick in return.

The Rams host the Las Vegas Raiders in just two days on Thursday night, so it remains to be seen if Mayfield will be suiting up on that short of notice.