Mayfield agreed Wednesday with the Buccaneers on a one-year contract worth a maximum of $8.5 million, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
The initial reports don't specify the base value, guarantees or incentives in the deal, but whatever the case, Mayfield is expected to have a chance to compete for the starting job given Tampa Bay's lack of cap space and premium draft picks. The other candidate for that role, as of now, is 2021 second-round pick Kyle Trask, who has nine career pass attempts to his name. Mayfield played somewhat better for the Rams late last season after struggling in Carolina during the first half of the campaign, but there's a large body of evidence suggesting he's no better than a bottom-end starter or high-end backup. The soon-to-be 28-year-old at least will have talented pass catchers in Tampa, unless the Bucs end up moving Chris Godwin or Mike Evans.
... See More... See Less
Rams' Baker Mayfield: May be targeted by Tampa Bay
Rotowire
The Buccaneers are expected to target Mayfield as a potential starting option when free agency opens March 15, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
After a subpar start to his Panthers' tenure, Mayfield was let go and joined the struggling Rams. He burst onto the scene with an epic comeback win over the Raiders on Thursday Night Football, just days after he was claimed off waivers, and finished with a 63.6 completion percentage, 850 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions across five appearances with Los Angeles. Mayfield may be able to parlay his solid play into a starting gig in 2023, but he's presumably viewed as a short-term option for teams searching for their quarterback of the future. The Buccaneers will have only one quarterback on their roster (Kyle Trask) once the new league year begins Wednesday, but they figure to add more depth in free agency and through the draft as they attempt to move forward without Tom Brady.
... See More... See Less
Rams' Baker Mayfield: Nearly perfect in blowout victory
Rotowire
Mayfield completed 24 of 28 pass attempts for 230 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 51-14 win over the Broncos.
Mayfield struggled in his last start and had one of the league's top defenses on tap for Week 16, so logically he twirled 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.
... See More... See Less
Rams' Baker Mayfield: Struggles in Week 15 loss
Rotowire
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.
Mayfield's first official start in a Rams uniform -- John Wolford (neck) opened the Week 14 win over the Raiders before quickly exiting after one series -- was underwhelming compared to the way the 2018 first overall pick wrapped up his team debut. Mayfield took five sacks and was hit an additional four times by a relentless Packers defense, and he was picked off early in the fourth quarter to squash any thoughts of another comeback. He connected with Tyler Higbee for his one touchdown, but the rapport he'd flashed with Ben Skowronek, Tutu Atwell and Van Jefferson in Week 14 was mostly non-existent Monday as the trio of wideouts 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.
... See More... See Less
Rams' Baker Mayfield: Expected to start final four games
Rotowire
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.
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.
... See More... See Less
Rams' Baker Mayfield: Unexpected hero in wild win
Rotowire
Mayfield completed 22 of 35 passes for 230 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions in the Rams' 17-16 win over the Raiders on Thursday night. He also rushed four times for 10 yards.
Mayfield didn't start but replaced John Wolford (neck) on the game's second possession, putting together an unforgettable Rams debut that featured an especially noteworthy beginning and end. 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 got going when it mattered most. Backed up at his own two-yard line with 1:45 remaining, Mayfield went on to 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 gives the 4-9 Rams much-needed encouragement ahead of a Week 15 road matchup against the Packers on Monday night, Dec. 19.
... See More... See Less
Rams' Baker Mayfield: Could be active Thursday
Rotowire
Head coach Sean McVay said Wednesday that he's leaning toward keeping Mayfield active for Thursday's game against Las Vegas, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.
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 incumbent starter John Wolford (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. Mayfield didn't perform any better for the Panthers this season, but he might get another chance to start all the same at some point in December and January while the Rams play out the string.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Baker Mayfield: Expected to be cut Monday
Rotowire
The Panthers are expected to waive Mayfield on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Mayfield, who likely would have dropped down to No. 3 on Carolina's depth chart behind Sam Darnold when PJ Walker (ankle) returns to health, will instead hit waivers. The 2018 first overall pick has managed 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 carry him. Mayfield could draw interest on waivers from teams with a need at quarterback, such as the 49ers in the wake of Jimmy Garoppolo's season-ending foot injury.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Baker Mayfield: Likely to drop to third string
Rotowire
Mayfield is expected to be inactive for the Panthers' next game in Week 14 at Seattle if PJ Walker (ankle) is healthy enough to serve as Sam Darnold's backup, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
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 No. 1 job to Walker due to injury and poor performance, stepped back into the lineup in Week 11, but he threw for just 196 yards and was intercepted twice in a 13-3 loss to the Ravens. While Walker was sidelined in Week 12, the Panthers chose to bypass Mayfield 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, Mayfield looks set to drop to third on the depth chart. Newton suggests that the Panthers could look to release him in order to address other areas of need on the 53-man roster.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Baker Mayfield: Two picks in return to top job
Rotowire
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.
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 both his own and the Ravens' 41-yard-line 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.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Baker Mayfield: Effective in relief
Rotowire
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.
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.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Baker Mayfield: Past ankle sprain
Rotowire
Mayfield (ankle) isn't listed on the Panthers' injury report Wednesday.
While Mayfield has put his left high-ankle sprain behind him, he won't get the starting nod over PJ Walker on Sunday in Atlanta. There's also the prospect of Sam Darnold (ankle) being activated from injured reserve in the near future, which would serve as another impediment for Mayfield in the quarterback room. At least for Week 8, though, Mayfield will be Carolina's No. 2 signal-caller.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Baker Mayfield: Won't get Week 8 start
Rotowire
Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks said that PJ Walker will start Sunday's game in Atlanta, regardless of the health of Mayfield (ankle) and Sam Darnold (ankle), Joe Person of The Athletic reports.
Wilks may elect to evaluate the Panthers' starting quarterback situation on a week-by-week basis, but "as of right now," the coach said that Walker has earned the job after playing mistake-free football while throwing for two touchdowns in Carolina's 21-3 upset win over Tampa Bay in Week 7. Given Walker's underwhelming career numbers prior to last week, he's unlikely to have a long leash on the starting role, so a healthy Mayfield or Darnold eventually could get another look if Walker's play takes a step backward. Even before he suffered a left high-ankle sprain Week 5 that kept him out the last two games, Mayfield was playing his way out of the starting job. Through his five starts, Mayfield completed just 54.9 percent of his passes for 4:4 TD:INT and 6.3 yards per attempt while the Panthers got off to a 1-4 start to the season.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Baker Mayfield: Missing second consecutive game
Rotowire
Mayfield (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
As expected, Mayfield will miss a second straight contest due to a high left-ankle sprain. While PJ Walker will serve as Carolina's starting quarterback with Jacob Eason handling backup duties, Mayfield will turn his focus to a potential return to action next Sunday in Atlanta.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Baker Mayfield: Returns to limited practice
Rotowire
Mayfield (ankle) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
Mayfield was inactive for this past weekend's loss to the Rams, but the QB clearly is making progress from the ankle injury that he suffered Week 5. That said, coach Steve Wilks relayed Wednesday that PJ Walker would start this Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, with Jacob Eason likely to serve as his backup.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Baker Mayfield: Considered week-to-week
Rotowire
Interim head coach Steve Wilks said Mayfield (ankle) is considered week-to-week after an MRI revealed ligament damage in his ankle, Joseph Person of The Athletic reports.
Mayfield suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 5 and was sidelined for Week 6, paving the way for PJ Walker to make his first start of the season. However, Walker was knocked out of the contest due to a neck injury, which forced Jacob Eason into action. Given the MRI results, Mayfield is a likely candidate to wind up on IR, but it's unclear who'll be the Panthers' starting quarterback moving forward. Sam Darnold (ankle) has been on IR since suffering a high-ankle sprain of his own during training camp, but he's expected to be activated off IR ahead of Week 7, though it's still unclear if he'll be able to play Sunday against Tampa Bay.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Baker Mayfield: Listed as doubtful, won't start
Rotowire
Mayfield (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Rams after not practicing Friday, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
Per Gantt, interim head coach Steve Wilks said that Mayfield "had a great workout" earlier Friday, but the Panthers will start P.J. Walker at quarterback on Sunday against the Rams. Mayfield could serve as Walker's backup, but if he isn't available to do so, Jacob Eason will be elevated for the team's practice squad to handle the No. 2 role.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Baker Mayfield: Not practicing Friday
Rotowire
Mayfield (ankle) didn't participate in Friday's practice, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
Earlier this week, Mayfield was spotted around practice sporting a walking boot, but he shed the boot Friday, according to Gantt. At this stage, the quarterback hasn't been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Rams, but it's still unlikely that he starts. The Panthers' upcoming injury report will add further context with regard to Mayfield's chances of being in uniform this weekend, but it he's unable to play, P.J. Walker would draw the starting assignment.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Baker Mayfield: Spectating again Thursday
Rotowire
Mayfield (ankle) isn't participating in practice Thursday, Steve Reed of the Associated Press reports.
Though the Panthers haven't officially ruled Mayfield out for Sunday's game against the Rams, he's dealing with a left high-ankle sprain, an injury that typically necessitates a multi-week recovery period. With that in mind, Mayfield doesn't appear to be trending toward starting Sunday, especially after missing practices Wednesday and Thursday. P.J. Walker looks to have the inside track on the Week 6 starting nod, while Jacob Eason will likely be elevated from the practice squad if Mayfield isn't fit to handle backup duties.
... See More... See Less
Panthers' Baker Mayfield: Not at practice
Rotowire
Mayfield (ankle) isn't practicing Wednesday.
Mayfield suffered a high-ankle sprain just three days prior, though reports suggest it isn't an especially severe injury. Even so, Mayfield isn't a lock to be ready for Sunday's game against the Rams, potentially setting up P.J. Walker for the start. Meanwhile, Sam Darnold is still on injured reserve due to his own ankle injury and isn't a candidate to draw the Week 6 start.
