Baker Mayfield has provided a spark for the Los Angeles Rams since being claimed off waivers earlier this month, leading them to two wins in his three games. His first victory was a dramatic come-from-behind win over the Raiders, while his second was a dominant showing against the Broncos on Christmas Day, cruising to a 51-14 win.
His play has caused many Rams fans to wonder if he’ll be back in 2023 as Matthew Stafford’s backup, and while that’s certainly a possibility, Mayfield hasn’t given it much thought.
“No, I’m a free agent after this so I really haven’t given it much thought, to be honest with you,” he said Wednesday. “Just trying to roll with it one day at a time, but yeah, we’ll see. It should be interesting, but all that doesn’t start until March anyways, so we’ll see how it goes.”
Mayfield is essentially auditioning for another team in these final games, and he’s making a strong impression for any potential suitors in the offseason. That’s unfortunately bad news for the Rams, who won’t be able to offer him the same thing that many other teams can: a starting role.
Not to mention, the Rams aren’t exactly flush with cap space, so paying him top dollar as a backup will be difficult, too. If Mayfield is willing to be Stafford’s backup, it’s a perfect match because he fits extremely well in Sean McVay’s offense.
“Yeah, definitely a lot more comfortable now,” Mayfield said of being at the line of scrimmage. It’s beginning to be a little bit more second nature when it comes to changing the plays, criteria, stuff like that. So yeah, it felt good.”
It’s hard to imagine Mayfield getting no looks as a starter next season, but if teams are basing their interest on how he played with the Panthers instead of the Rams, perhaps he won’t get as many offers as expected.
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