Panthers to launch Baker Mayfield after seven video games with group; former No. 1 total decide topic to waivers

The Carolina Panthers are transferring on from the quarterback they traded for just five months ago, as Baker Mayfield is ready to be launched on Monday, per NFL Media. The report was confirmed by CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones. Mayfield shall be topic to waivers.

The Panthers despatched the Cleveland Browns a conditional 2024 fifth-round decide in trade for Mayfield. The fifth-round decide may have transformed to a fourth-rounder based mostly on enjoying time, however along with his launch, that won’t occur. Mayfield was initially due a completely assured $18.85 million within the ultimate 12 months of his rookie deal. The Browns agreed to pay Mayfield $10.5 million in 2022, whereas the Panthers agreed to pay about $5 million. Mayfield additionally reportedly agreed to take a few $3.5 million pay lower to be able to be moved.

Mayfield obtained the beginning at quarterback to start the 12 months, however a excessive ankle sprain suffered in Week 5 knocked him out of the lineup. He went 1-5 because the starter for Carolina, and accomplished 57.8 % of his passes for 1,313 yards, six touchdowns and 6 interceptions in seven complete video games performed. The Panthers will transfer ahead with Sam Darnold because the beginning quarterback, and P.J. Walker as his backup. 

It has definitely been a wild 12 months for the previous No. 1 total decide. Mayfield went from the Browns franchise quarterback on the cusp of signing a brand new deal to requesting a commerce in the identical 12 months. He then obtained a shot to indicate the Panthers he may very well be a reputable starter, however was launched simply seven video games into his Carolina tenure.

Per CBS Sports cap expert Joel Corry, Mayfield shall be a $1,349,445 waiver declare, and the Houston Texans can have first dibs at claiming him. Will probably be fascinating to see the place Mayfield may go. The Texans are definitely an choice, however so are the San Francisco 49ers, who simply misplaced starter-turned-backup-turned-starter once more Jimmy Garoppolo to a season-ending foot harm. The 49ers are in good place to make a postseason run, however given the way it’s so late within the 12 months, possibly Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch find yourself passing on Mayfield and rolling with the younger Brock Purdy who is aware of their system. Both method, Mayfield is obtainable, and searching for his subsequent NFL residence.