The Los Angeles Rams claimed quarterback Baker Mayfield off waivers on Tuesday, including the previous No. 1 select to their choices at the back of the injured Matthew Stafford for the remainder of the season.
Mayfield, the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner and previous Cleveland Browns starter, used to be launched by means of the Panthers on Monday at his request after seven disappointing video games with Carolina.
The suffering Rams host the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday evening, and it is unclear whether or not Mayfield might be able to take part for a staff already right down to backup quarterbacks John Wolford, who has been combating a neck harm and different illnesses, and Bryce Perkins.
“My gosh, you’d probably know as much as I would on that right now,” Rams offensive coordinator Liam Coen instructed newshounds when requested if Mayfield would possibly play Thursday. “I could not inform you. I have not spoken to him. I’ve most effective heard good stuff about him, his skilled nature in Carolina and one of the vital issues that went on there.”
Rams head coach Sean McVay wasn’t scheduled to speak to reporters on Tuesday after he acquired a quarterback whose talents greatly intrigued him coming out of college at Oklahoma, but both of his coordinators praised the acquisition.
“I’ve were given numerous recognize for him,” Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris said. “This guy was a very good football player. Brought Cleveland from pretty much the ashes. This game is sometimes thankless. We get a chance to acquire guys who’ve got nothing to lose and something to prove is always awesome.”
After league-wide hypothesis about Mayfield becoming a member of the contending San Francisco 49ers or Baltimore Ravens, Mayfield will as a substitute try to lend a hand the injury-plagued Rams (3-9). Los Angeles have misplaced six immediately video games throughout what is shaping up because the worst season in NFL historical past for a protecting Super Bowl champion.
The Rams have virtually no explanation why to tank the rest of the season as a result of their first-round select belongs to Detroit, and so they want lend a hand at quarterback. Stafford is nearly without a doubt out for the season with a bruised spinal wire, and Wolford and Perkins were somewhat useless whilst combining to begin 3 of the previous 4 video games, all losses. Wolford handed for 178 yards and not using a touchdowns in ultimate Sunday’s loss to Seattle.
But it is unclear how a lot lend a hand Mayfield may give: He had a gloomy season with the Panthers, who received him for a fifth-round select in July after the Browns’ acquisition of Deshaun Watson ended his up-and-down tenure in Cleveland, the place he used to be a four-year starter and engineered the tip of the franchise’s 18-year playoff drought in 2020.
Mayfield received the first-string activity in coaching camp with Carolina, however went 1-5 as a starter whilst throwing six landing passes and 6 interceptions. He used to be outplayed in fresh weeks by means of each Sam Darnold and PJ Walker.
McVay often gained credit score for Kirk Cousins’ building right into a cast NFL starter throughout McVay’s time as Washington’s offensive coordinator. As a head trainer, McVay led the Rams to 4 successful seasons, 3 playoff berths and a Super Bowl look with Jared Goff on the controls. McVay then turned into the youngest trainer in NFL historical past to win a Super Bowl identify ultimate season after buying and selling Goff for Stafford, who had probably the most spectacular seasons of his long occupation.
Whether this newest partnership lasts most effective 5 video games or is going longer, McVay will have the option to make a decision whether or not Mayfield can nonetheless be the quarterback McVay idea he could be popping out of Oklahoma.
“It’s a chance to evaluate,” Coen stated. “You’re all the time searching for festival at each and every place, and you are searching for a possibility to guage ability. That used to be the purpose. … We be ok with our room and the quarterback that we’ve got for the way forward for the Los Angeles Rams, which is Matthew Stafford, however we really feel clearly beautiful just right about anyone to return in right here and compete at a prime degree for us. “
The 34-year-old Stafford is beneath contract during the 2026 season, however his accidents and two journeys during the concussion protocol – despite the fact that the Rams have not showed he ever had a concussion this season – have sparked common hypothesis about how lengthy he plans to proceed his occupation.
