Rams claim Baker Mayfield off waivers from the Panthers

Aug 13, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) passes the ball during warmups prior to the Panthers' game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Baker Mayfield’s time in Carolina was short-lived. The native of Austin, Texas did not play for the Carolina Panthers a full season (seven games in fact) before being placed on waivers on Monday. Then on Tuesday, Mayfield was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams.

Los Angeles was in need of some quarterbacking help with Matt Stafford of Tampa, Florida on the injury reserve with a spinal cord infusion. The Rams’ backup quarterbacks of John Wolford of Dallas, Texas and Bryce Perkins of Queen Creek, Arizona were not getting the job done, as they were a combined 0-3 as a starting quarterback in Stafford’s absence. Over the last month, the Rams lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals in that time.

The Rams become the third team that Mayfield has played for in the National Football League. In addition to half a season with the Panthers, he spent four seasons with the Cleveland Browns. This season in Carolina, Mayfield was only 1-5 as a starting quarterback for the Panthers. He completed 119 passes in 206 attempts for 1313 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions. Mayfield’s quarterback rating was only 74.4, the worst of his NFL career.

It will now be interesting to see if Mayfield will start Week 14 for the Rams. He does not have much time to prepare as the Rams face the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night Football. In addition to Stafford being out, the Rams also do not have Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp, who is out with a severe ankle sprain which needed surgery.

Mayfield and Stafford have one intriguing similarity. They were both the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. Mayfield was chosen by the Browns in 2018 out of Oklahoma, and Stafford was chosen by the Lions in 2009 out of Georgia. The 2022 Rams have simply been a disaster. They are last in the NFC West at three wins and nine losses.

The Rams have five games left this season against the Las Vegas Raiders, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers and Seattle Seahawks. In my opinion, they will be the underdog in all five games. How many games do you think the Rams will win? I have them at 3-14. Tell us what you think in the comments below.