Panthers Make Surprising Decision Regarding Baker Mayfield's Future
By Jason Hall
December 5, 2022
The Carolina Panthers are reportedly expected to release quarterback Baker Mayfield, which will effectively place him on waivers, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Monday (December 5).
"Sources: The #Panthers are expected to release QB Baker Mayfield. He'll hit waivers when it's finalized later today," Rapoport tweeted.
Any NFL team that claims Mayfield on waivers will need to pay the remaining $1,349,444 he's owed as part of his guaranteed contract, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports.
The San Francisco 49ers, who are now without Trey Lance and Jimmy Garappolo for the remainder of the season, are currently "near the bottom of the priority list," according to Pelissero, who later tweeted out the entire waiver priority, which listed San Francisco as 24th among all 32 teams.
The Houston Texans are currently No. 1 on the NFL waiver priority rankings, followed by the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams and the Panthers.
Sources: The #Panthers are expected to release QB Baker Mayfield. He'll hit waivers when it's finalized later today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 5, 2022
Any team claiming Baker Mayfield on waivers would assume the remaining $1,349,444 guaranteed on his contract. That could influence how things go on waivers. The #49ers are near the bottom of the priority list. https://t.co/FXfRwop9B5
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 5, 2022
#49ers are 24th in waiver priority:
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 5, 2022
1. HOU
2. CHI
3. DEN
4. LAR
5. CAR
6. JAX
7. NO
8. AZ
9. IND
10. ATL
11. GB
12. LV
13. CLE
14. PIT
15. DET
16. TB
17. LAC
18. NE
19. WAS
20. SEA
21. TEN
22. NYJ
23. NYG
24. SF
25. BAL
26. MIA
27. CIN
28. KC
29. DAL
30. BUF
31. MIN
32. PHI
Mayfield reportedly requested the release from the Panthers amid the team's decision to go with Sam Darnold or P.J. Walker for the remainder of the 2022 season, sources with knowledge of the situation told ESPN's David Newton on Monday.
"Multiple league sources tell me Baker Mayfield asked for his release," Newton tweeted. "Makes sense with teams like the 49ers possibly looking for a veteran quarterback. Had he not asked he may have been released anyway with the Panthers going with Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker the rest of the way."
Multiple league sources tell me Baker Mayfield asked for his release. Makes sense with teams like the 49ers possibly looking for a veteran quarterback. Had he not asked he may have been released anyway with the Panthers going with Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker the rest of the way.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) December 5, 2022
Mayfield, a former No 1 overall pick, has struggled during his fifth NFL season, which is his first with the Panthers since being acquired in a trade during the offseason.
The former Heisman Trophy winner went 1-5 in six starts and threw for 1,313 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions on 119 of 206 passing in seven total appearances, which includes a 74.4 passer rating and 16.8 quarterback rating, both of which are career lows.
Mayfield was initially ruled out for "at least a couple weeks" due to a high ankle sprain and replaced by Walker on October 10.
Mayfield replaced Walker late in the Panthers' blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on November 6, throwing for 155 yards and two touchdowns on 14 of 20 passing.