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Baker Mayfield’s tumultuous career took another diversion this week as he was formally released by the Carolina Panthers.
Mayfield only joined the Panthers during the 2022 offseason and he requested his release after being benched throughout the season. He was replaced as the starter by both P.J. Walker and Sam Darnold.
The former number-one overall draft pick will hit waivers, with whoever takes him due to pick up his contract. Otherwise, he will become a free agent and will be able to sign with any team across the league.
There are plenty of teams across the league who are looking for quarterback talent, and it seems likely that Baker Mayfield will be picked up quickly.
NFL sides that could use Baker Mayfield
#1. San Francisco 49ers, 8-4 and 1st in the NFC East
Arguably, the move that makes the most sense would see Mayfield play for the San Francisco 49ers.
San Francisco has one of the most complete rosters in the NFL. They have playmakers all over the field such as Deebo Samuel, George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey, but are lacking in the quarterback department.
This is because the 49ers have lost both Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo to season-ending injuries in 2022. If they want to remain competitive, they could do a lot worse than bringing in Baker Mayfield. Especially as they're currently starting this year's 'Mr. Irrelevant,' rookie Brock Purdy for the rest of the season.
#2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 5-6 and 1st in the NFC South
Should Mayfield fail to find a starting job in the NFL, another possible landing spot is with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Not only would he sit behind Tom Brady, he'd likely be starting soon. It's no secret that 45-year-old Brady is in the twilight of his storied career.
Mayfield has had plenty of off-the-field controversies during his short career, so sitting in the same QB room as TB12 could only be a good thing for him. The experience and knowledge Brady can pass on may prove invaluable and may be just what he needs to kickstart his career.
#3 - New Orleans Saints, 4-8 and 4th in the NFC South
The New Orleans Saints are another potential landing spot for the former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback. The Saints, under first-year head coach Dennis Allen, have switched between Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton at QB, with neither covering themselves in glory.
New Orleans seems to be rolling with Dalton for the rest of the year, but bringing in Mayfield could light a fire under either of them. As they haven't exactly set the league on fire, the Saints might see immediate improvement with Baker Mayfield.
On top of this, having just left the Panthers, Mayfield will have knowledge of an NFC South rival. Bringing him in, with a point to prove, could work well for all parties.
