Where ex-Panthers QB Baker Mayfield going? Possible next teams

previous carolina panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield hit the waiver wire.

The Panthers waived Mayfield Monday after the quarterback called for Mayfield’s release. He is now subject to a waiver and will be available for another team to acquire on Tuesday at 4pm ET.

Mayfield, who started 1-5 with the Panthers, has $1.35 million left on his contract. According to ESPN’s Field YeatsIf a team claims Mayfield, the new team will inherit that amount, erasing the total from the Panthers’ salary cap fee.

With only a handful of teams dealing with a quarterback injury following Sunday’s Week 13 slate, Mayfield is likely to be claimed this week. If he is not requested, Mayfield will become a free agent and can sign with any team.

Mayfield’s four logical landing points on Waverwire are:

houston texans

Waiver Priority: First place

Salary cap situation (per over-the-cap): $2.22 million

The Texans are well-positioned for the first overall pick in next year’s draft. But with five games still left on the schedule and two home matches to host, the Austin, Texas native Mayfield can be considered a draw for the crowd. Having no answers, seeing what Mayfield has to offer isn’t a completely silly roll of the dice.

Mayfield began his college career at nearby Texas Tech University. With the Texans’ underwhelming product on the field, perhaps he’ll be able to bring some local intrigue to the franchise. Mayfield is also an upgraded version of Kyle Allen and Davis Mills, and could help the franchise value younger attacking players a little better.

los angeles rams

Waiver Priority: No. 4

Salary cap situation (per over-the-cap): $4.47 million

The Rams waived franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford last week. With Stafford on the disabled list, the Rams are forced to salvage the season with John Walford and Bryce Perkins. Mayfield is at least an upgrade over these two inexperienced quarterbacks of his and can throw sparks all at once.

The Rams traded a first-round pick in next year’s draft, so there’s little reason to tank in the final five games of the season. Sean McVay’s offense is quarterback-friendly and could help Mayfield regain some value heading into free agency this next offseason.

The Rams claim Mayfield could also prevent the San Francisco 49ers from grabbing the quarterback for a playoff run.

new orleans saints

Waiver Priority: No. 6

Salary cap situation (per over-the-cap): $2.42 million

Mayfield’s only win as a starting quarterback this season was against the Saints. In that matchup, Mayfield did a great job in the passing game and made some big plays to set up a Week 3 win. Perhaps a third veteran quarterback might appeal to their situation, as they’re dealing with signal callers who are out.

The Saints aren’t doing very well and are looking for some teams in the NFC South pecking order. But the race for the lower division crown is still wide open. That’s why it might be worth hooking Mayfield up to see if he can boost the homestretch of the season. Dennis Allen, who was promoted to head coach this year, needs all the help he can get. It is said that

The Panthers will also face the Saints in the season finale in New Orleans in January, so there could be even more incentive to bring Mayfield in to learn Carolina’s secrets.

San Francisco 49ers

Waiver Priority: No. 25

Salary cap situation (per over-the-cap): $6.04 million

The 49ers looked like NFC favorites until quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo broke his leg in Sunday’s win over the Miami Dolphins. You’ll have to rely on Purdy and seasoned journeyman Josh Johnson. Playing Shanahan his style of offense in Cleveland, Mayfield may have been exactly what the doctor ordered.

The 49ers are deep in the Waiverwire pecking order, but they still have a chance given Mayfield’s annual salary. Mayfield’s price tag could turn off cap-bound teams like the Saints and Texans, and may help Mayfield slip into San Francisco.

The 49ers have an excellent team built around the quarterback position. Landing Mayfield would make an ideal pair for the franchise and quarterback.