Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterback #6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterback #6
© David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Baker Mayfield News

Starting role up for grabs

Offensive coordinator Dave Canales said Wednesday the Buccaneers won't rush to name Mayfield of Kyle Trask as the starting quarterback for the 2023 season, Brianna Dix of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Mayfield and Trask both managed to avoid added competition at the quarterback position during the 2023 NFL Draft, though Tampa Bay did sign John Wolford on Tuesday. Canales said the starting role will go to the quarterback who proves they can take "care of the ball" and "push the ball down the field," and while Mayfield certainly looks like the favorite to win out among the Buccaneers' current options, it's possible a competition could still linger late into the offseason. The 28-year-old Mayfield inked with Tampa Bay on a one-year, $8.5 million contract back in March and may be facing his last real chance at a career bounceback.

May 10, 2023 7:52 AM EST


Struggles in season finale

Mayfield completed 13 of 26 passes for 147 yards and one interception in Sunday's 19-16 overtime loss to Seattle. He added 16 rushing yards on five attempts.

Analysis: Mayfield threw for fewer than 150 yards in three of five games with the Rams down the stretch and posted a 10:8 TD:INT in 12 appearances spread between Los Angeles and Carolina. The unrestricted free agent may have to settle for a backup job in 2023 after his underwhelming 2022 campaign.

Jan 8, 2023 6:13 PM EST



Takes step back in loss

Mayfield completed 11 of 19 passes for 132 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in the Rams' 31-10 loss to the Chargers on Sunday. He also rushed three times for eight yards and lost a fumble.

Analysis: Fresh off a near-perfect Christmas Day showing against the Broncos in Week 16, Mayfield turned in a lackluster showing much more reminiscent of his Week 15 performance against the Packers. The 2018 first overall pick is clearly just a stop-gap measure for the Rams to play out the string with, and he could be in for another tough afternoon in a Week 18 road clash versus an incentivized Seahawks team that boasts a stingy pass defense.

Jan 1, 2023 5:17 PM EST


Nearly perfect in blowout victory

Mayfield completed 24 of 28 pass attempts for 230 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 51-14 win over the Broncos.

Analysis: Mayfield struggled in his last start and had one of the league's top defenses on tap for Week 16; so of course he twirls one his finest games as a pro Sunday. Sarcasm aside, the former first-overall pick showed a marked improvement in his second official start with the Rams. Teaming up with head coach Sean McVay has revitalized the polarizing quarterback's season, as he appears to have solidified the starting job for the remainder of the year. Mayfield may even regain the trust of fantasy managers if he can continue to show signs of improved play against the Chargers on Sunday.

Dec 25, 2022 5:50 PM EST


Struggles in Week 15 loss

Mayfield completed 12 of 21 passes for 111 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the Rams' 24-12 loss to the Packers on Monday night. He also rushed once for one yard and committed a fumble recovered by Los Angeles.

Analysis: Mayfield's first official start in a Rams uniform -- John Wolford opened the Week 14 win over the Raiders before quickly exiting after one series -- was very underwhelming compared to the way 2018 first overall pick wrapped up that wild win in his team debut. Mayfield took five sacks and was hit and additional four times by a relentless Packers defense, and he was picked off at his own 33-yard line early in the fourth quarter with Los Angeles already down 12 at the time. Mayfield connected with Tyler Higbee for his one touchdown pass, but the quick rapport he'd flashed with Ben Skowronek, Tutu Atwell and Van Jefferson in the latter stages of the comeback victory over the Raiders was mostly non-existent Monday -- the trio combined for just four receptions and 35 yards on nine targets. The next installment of Mayfield's stretch-run audition comes in a Week 16 home showdown against the Broncos on Christmas Day.

Dec 19, 2022 8:28 PM EST



Expected to start final four games

Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed Friday that he expects Mayfield to start the team's final four games of the season, Greg Beacham of The Associated Press reports.

Analysis: Even though he didn't arrive in Los Angeles until late Tuesday after the Rams scooped him off waivers from the Panthers earlier that day, Mayfield was thrust into action just two days later in the team's game against the Raiders. While John Wolford drew the start, Mayfield came on to replace him on the Rams' second possession and took every snap on offense the rest of the way. Mayfield mostly struggled to move the offense throughout the night, but he came up clutch when it mattered most, as he guided the Rams on a 98-yard fourth-quarter drive that concluded with a 23-yard Van Jefferson touchdown grab with 10 seconds remaining to send L.A. to a 17-16 victory. In spite of his heroics Thursday, Mayfield will likely represent little more than a low-end fantasy option the rest of the way while he plays behind a patchwork offensive line and an injury-depleted group of pass catchers. Mayfield should at least benefit from a quasi-bye week to get more familiar with his new team's playbook, as the Rams' next game is a Monday night tilt Dec. 19 at Green Bay.

Dec 9, 2022 3:16 PM EST


Unexpected hero in wild win

Mayfield completed 22 of 35 passes for 230 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the Rams' 17-16 win over the Raiders on Thursday night. He also rushed four times for 10 yards.

Analysis: Mayfield put together a relatively unforgettable Rams debut, with both the start and end of the game especially noteworthy. The 2018 first overall pick's first three completions went for over 20 yards to Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek and Tutu Atwell, and after a choppy performance over the middle quarters, Mayfield came alive when it mattered most. Backed up at his own two-yard line with 1:45 remaining, Mayfield went on helm an eight-play, 98-yard drive that culminated in a game-tying 23-yard touchdown pass to Jefferson with 10 seconds remaining. Mayfield had an interception overturned by a defensive pass interference call early in the possession, but he came through with a critical 32-yard completion to Skowronek in addition to the scoring toss. Even though it's a one-game sample and Mayfield has certainly proven capable of providing short-term sparks before fizzling out in subsequent weeks, the rousing win will certainly give the downtrodden Rams a much-needed boost of encouragement ahead of a Week 15 road matchup against the Packers on Monday night, Dec. 19.

Dec 8, 2022 8:29 PM EST


Trending toward backup duty

Mayfield worked behind John Wolford (neck) during pregame work ahead of Thursday's contest against the Raiders, so the former likely won't start over the latter at quarterback for the Rams in Week 14, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.

Analysis: This comes as no surprise considering Mayfield joined L.A. just two days ago via waivers, but Wolford's sore neck still gives the former a chance to see some action. Steve Wyche of NFL Network reported as much earlier Thursday, relaying that a few sources told him Mayfield likely will enter the game at some point. Still, with a full allotment of snaps unlikely, Mayfield can't be trusted to produce right away with his new team.

Dec 8, 2022 4:58 PM EST


Active in Week 14

Mayfield is active for Thursday's game against the Raiders, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: As are John Wolford (neck) and Bryce Perkins. It's been a whirlwind week for Mayfield, who was waived by the Panthers on Monday and claimed by the Rams one day later. With only two days to get acclimated to a new offense, Mayfield has a chance to mix into the contest or even be L.A.'s starting quarterback for Week 14, but coach Sean McVay has yet to reveal who between Wolford and Mayfield will be under center for the initial snaps on offense.

Dec 8, 2022 3:56 PM EST


Could start in team debut

Mayfield, who is expected to be active for Thursday's game against the Raiders, will be in line to start if John Wolford (neck) isn't deemed healthy enough to play in the Week 14 contest, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Even though Mayfield has only practiced once for the Rams after being claimed off waivers from the Panthers on Tuesday, he already appears to have leapfrogged Bryce Perkins on the depth chart at quarterback. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Mayfield is already up to speed with the Rams' game plan after joining the team late Tuesday, but the team would presumably to keep him in a backup capacity this week if Wolford is ready to pay. Wolford is listed as questionable and will go through pregame warmups before the Rams make a decision on his availability leading up to the 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff.

Dec 8, 2022 7:37 AM EST


Could be active Thursday

Coach Sean McVay said Wednesday that he's leaning toward Mayfield being active for Thursday's game against Las Vegas.

Analysis: The Rams claimed Mayfield off waivers Tuesday and presumably won't start him two days later, but they might make him active as the backup, especially if John Wolford (questionable - neck) doesn't play. Wolford and Perkins both have made starts in recent weeks with Matthew Stafford (neck) out for the season, and neither has been impressive. Not that Mayfield was any better for the Panthers this year, but he might get another chance to start all the same at some point in December/January.

Dec 7, 2022 2:15 PM EST


Lands in L.A.

The Rams claimed Mayfield off waivers Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: One day after the Panthers granted Mayfield's request to get waived, he'll land with one of the NFC West teams currently dealing with injuries in their quarterback rooms. In L.A., Matthew Stafford (neck) effectively is done for the season, while John Wolford again is dealing with a neck injury, leaving Bryce Perkins as the only healthy option at the position before Mayfield's arrival. If Wolford is unable to go Thursday against the Raiders, Perkins almost certainly get the start under center. However, Mayfield may get a chance to direct the Rams offense at some point down the stretch.

Dec 6, 2022 1:11 PM EST


Officially done in Carolina

The Panthers waived Mayfield on Monday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Mayfield's $1.35 million salary for the remainder of the 2022 season would be assumed by any team that successfully claims him on waivers, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, which could play a factor in determining his next landing spot. A number of teams could have interest in giving the 2018 first-round pick another chance, including quarterback-needy clubs like the Texans, the Rams who placed Matthew Stafford (neck) on IR on Saturday, or the 49ers who lost Jimmy Garoppolo (foot) to a season-ending injury Sunday. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that Mayfield requested to part ways with the Panthers, and the team agreed. Through seven games this season Mayfield has completed 57.8 percent of his passes for 1,313 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions.

Dec 5, 2022 8:46 AM EST


Expected to be cut Monday

The Panthers are expected to waive Mayfield on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Mayfield, who likely would have dropped down to No. 3 on Carolina's depth chart when PJ Walker (ankle) returns to health behind Sam Darnold, will instead hit waivers Monday. The 2018 no. 1 overall pick boasts just a 6:6 TD:INT through seven appearances with the Panthers this season, and it looks like the team would rather address other needs on the 53-man roster than continue to facilitate his development. Mayfield will stand to draw interest on waivers from teams around the league with a need at quarterback, such as the 49ers in the wake of Jimmy Garoppolo's season-ending foot injury.

Dec 5, 2022 7:48 AM EST


Likely to drop to third string

Mayfield is expected to be inactive for the Panthers' next game Week 14 at Seattle if PJ Walker (ankle) is healthy enough to serve as Sam Darnold's backup, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Walker has missed the Panthers' last two games with a high-ankle sprain, after starting each of the prior five contests. Mayfield, who had started the Panthers' first five games before losing the job to Walker due to injury and poor performance, stepped back into the lineup Week 11, but he threw for just 196 yards and was intercepted twice in a 13-3 loss to the Ravens. Even while Walker was sidelined Week 12, the Panthers chose to bypass Mayfield for the start in favor of Darnold, who committed no turnovers and contributed one touchdown through the air and one on the ground in Sunday's 23-10 win over the Broncos. Interim head coach Steve Wilks has already confirmed that Darnold will retain the starting job coming out of the team's Week 13 bye, and with Walker likely to be ready to go for Week 14, Mayfield looks set to drop to third on the depth chart. Newton suggests that the Panthers could look to release Mayfield in order to address other areas of need on the 53-man roster.

Nov 28, 2022 8:12 AM EST


Back to No. 2 QB

Mayfield will move back to a reserve role after interim coach Steve Wilks named Sam Darnold as the Panthers' Week 12 starting quarterback Tuesday, Darin Gantt of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: With PJ Walker currently sidelined due to a high-ankle sprain, Mayfield got the nod under center this past Sunday at Baltimore, completing 21 of 33 passes for 196 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in a 13-3 loss. Wilks evidently saw enough and will move on to a third No. 1 QB in as many games Sunday versus the Broncos. Mayfield thus will have to wait for another chance to direct Carolina's offense.

Nov 22, 2022 1:11 PM EST


Two picks in return to top job

Mayfield completed 21 of 33 passes for 196 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions and rushed twice for 12 yards in the Panthers' 13-3 loss to the Ravens on Sunday.

Analysis: Mayfield unsurprisingly put together lackluster numbers against an aggressive defense that was able to sack him on four occasions and hit him an additional three times. The beleaguered 2018 first overall pick short-circuited drives at his own 41-yard and the Ravens' 41 on his pair of fourth-quarter interceptions, snuffing out any chance of a Carolina comeback. Given Sunday's middling results, it wouldn't be surprising to see PJ Walker (ankle) or Sam Darnold get a crack at the starting assignment over Mayfield in a Week 12 home date against the Broncos.

Nov 20, 2022 2:17 PM EST


Named Week 11 starter

Coach Steve Wilks said Monday that Mayfield will start Sunday's game against the Ravens due to PJ Walker suffering a high-ankle sprain, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Mayfield and Sam Darnold, both now fully healthy, also spent time sidelined with high-ankle sprains this season. With Walker now potentially facing a multi-week absence, Mayfield will return as Carolina's starting quarterback for the first time since Week 5, though he could quickly face pressure from Darnold should he struggle out of the gate versus Baltimore. Back in Week 9's loss to the Bengals, Walker was benched at halftime for performance reasons, leading to a performance in which Mayfield completed 14 of 20 pass attempts for 155 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Nov 14, 2022 7:21 AM EST


Remains backup this week

PJ Walker is slated to start Thursday night's game against the Falcons, with Mayfield in line to remain his backup, David Newton of ESPN reports.

Analysis: The announcement was made by coach Steve Wilks on Monday afternoon, following the team's activation of QB Sam Darnold to the 53-man roster, and in the wake of Walker being benched at halftime (and replaced by Mayfield) in Sunday's loss to the Bengals. It remains to be seen what the Panthers' signal-caller plans are beyond Week 10, with Newton suggesting that the team would like to get another look at Darnold at some point this season and noting that it's possible Mayfield could potentially be released in the coming weeks.

Nov 7, 2022 3:07 PM EST


Effective in relief

Mayfield completed 14 of his 20 pass attempts for 155 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday's 42-21 loss to the Bengals.

Analysis: Mayfield entered the game in relief of PJ Walker, who was benched at halftime. Mayfield turned in the better performance of the duo, but as he noted in his postgame comments, the Bengals were playing soft coverage while protecting a multi-score lead. Nevertheless, he made the case to retake his role as Carolina's starting quarterback, with interim coach Steve Wilks saying after the game that he needs to evaluate the tape prior to naming a starter for Thursday's Week 10 matchup against the Falcons, per David Newton of ESPN.com.

Nov 6, 2022 5:39 PM EST


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