NFL team, Carolina Panthers, releases quarterback, Baker Mayfield, as San Francisco 49ers exhibit no interest in signing him.
In a surprising turn of events, former number one NFL Draft pick Baker Mayfield has found himself in a new league, joining the Carolina Panthers following a trade from the Cleveland Browns. This move came after a challenging season for Mayfield, who struggled to find his form with the Browns.
Mayfield, who broke the rookie touchdown record previously held by Peyton Manning during his impressive debut season, has had a tough time this year. The Panthers, currently in third place in the NFC South with a record of 4-8, are hoping that Mayfield can help turn their fortunes around.
However, the Panthers' playoff prospects are slim. FiveThirtyEight projects that if the Panthers win the NFC South, they have an 8% chance of qualifying for the postseason. If Mayfield clears waivers, he will become a free agent.
Mayfield last played in Week 11 during a loss against the Ravens. In seven games with the Panthers, he completed 57.8% of his passes for 1,313 yards, throwing six touchdowns and six interceptions.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers are not likely to pursue Mayfield. Instead, they are sticking with rookie quarterback Brock Purdy, who was picked last in the 2022 NFL Draft. The 49ers have recently signed Josh Johnson as a backup behind Purdy. Johnson, who has spent time with 14 different NFL teams, will provide experienced support for Purdy.
Mayfield won the Heisman Trophy after a sensational senior season with the Oklahoma Sooners in 2017. In four seasons with the Browns, he posted a 29-30 record as a starter, with his best year coming during his rookie season.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who lost to the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football, are in first place in the NFC South with a record of 6-6. The Panthers, despite their current struggles, are still in the race, with odds of +1000 to win the NFC South, according to DraftKings. However, their chances of winning Super Bowl LVII are much slimmer, with odds of +25000.
The Panthers recently parted ways with head coach Matt Rhule, with interim head coach Steve Wilks deciding to stick with backup PJ Walker at quarterback. The future of Mayfield with the Panthers remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: he has a lot to offer and will be eager to prove himself in his new team.
- Baker Mayfield, after a trade from the Cleveland Browns, is now playing for the Carolina Panthers in the NFL, hoping to help the team improve their current 4-8 record in the NFC South.
- Although the FiveThirtyEight data projects a slim 8% chance of the Panthers qualifying for the postseason if they win the NFC South, they still have a chance, with odds of +1000 to win the division, according to DraftKings.
- Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers are not considering Baker Mayfield as an option, preferring to stick with rookie Brock Purdy, who was the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and experienced backup Josh Johnson.
- Mayfield, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2017 while playing for the Oklahoma Sooners, has had a challenging year, but in seven games with the Panthers, he completed 57.8% of his passes for 1,313 yards, throwing six touchdowns and six interceptions.
- With the Panthers' playoff prospects slim and the future of Mayfield with the team uncertain, one thing is clear: Mayfield will be eager to prove himself and continue his career in American Football.
