Rams claim Mayfield off waivers
The Los Angeles Rams have claimed quarterback Baker Mayfield off waivers following his release from the Carolina Panthers, sources told Jordan Schultz, theScore's NFL insider.
Breaking: Baker Mayfield has been claimed by the #Rams, sources tell @theScore. A new home for the former No. 1 pick. pic.twitter.com/wBkj1PhZqA
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) December 6, 2022
The team later confirmed the news.
Mayfield was placed on waivers Monday after requesting his release.
The Rams have started John Wolford and Bryce Perkins over the previous two games, with Matthew Stafford on injured reserve due to a spinal cord injury.
The Panthers acquired Mayfield in July from the Cleveland Browns for a 2024 fifth-round pick.
Mayfield was named the Panthers' starter ahead of their season opener after Sam Darnold went down with an injury in the preseason. The two had been battling for the role.
Mayfield started six games with the Panthers, throwing for 1,313 yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions. Carolina benched him in favor of P.J. Walker and then Darnold once the latter returned from his ankle injury.
Many expected the San Francisco 49ers to make a waiver claim for Mayfield after Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a foot injury on Sunday, but ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the 49ers passed on doing so.
L.A. will pay Mayfield approximately $1.35 million for his services this season, according to Spotrac. The 27-year-old is scheduled to become a free agent this offseason.
The Browns drafted Mayfield first overall in 2018. The Oklahoma product led Cleveland to the playoffs in 2020, breaking a drought that dated back to 2002.