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The Carolina Panthers moved on from quarterback Baker Mayfield. They released the former first-overall pick on Monday, December 5th, 2022 following a very disappointing stint with the team.
The team released Mayfield upon his request, and he is on the waiver wire. If he isn't claimed, he will become a free agent with the chance to sign with any team. Mayfield was traded to the Carolina Panthers on July 6th, 2022 from the Cleveland Browns for a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
Mayfield went 1-5 as the starting quarterback for Carolina this season. He completed a career-low 57.8 percent of passes and a career-low passer rating of 78.1 He threw as many touchdowns (6) as interceptions while throwing for 1,313 yards.
One possible team that could try to claim him off of waivers is the San Francisco 49ers. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a season-ending foot injury in yesterday's victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Backup quarterback Brock Purdy (aka 'Mr. Irrelevant') stepped up and played well in Garoppolo's absence. He threw for two touchdowns and 276 yards and led the team to victory in his first career start.
Following the news of Mayfield's release, NFL fans think it would be a good idea for him to join the 49ers. Here's how fans reacted to the news:
Whether the 49ers are considering Mayfield is a separate matter. If they are serious about contending for the Super Bowl this season, Baker Mayfield could be their best bet.
Baker Mayfield showed flashes of potential early on in his career
While Mayfield has struggled in the last few years, he has shown he has the potential to be a good starting quarterback. In each of his first three seasons with the Cleveland Browns, he threw for at least 20 touchdowns and 3,500 yards.
In his third season in the league, he led the Browns to an 11-5 record. He clinched a playoff berth and beat the Pittsburgh Steelers before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs. Mayfield has 104 career touchdowns and a passer rating of 87.0. If healthy and in the right situation, Mayfield could potentially return to his old form.
Whether that situation is the San Francisco 49ers will be revealed in time.
