NFL rumors: Baker Mayfield drawing shockingly heavy interest already

March 7, 2023 ndowd

While other quarterbacks are dominating the offseason conversation, Baker Mayfield could be a surprisingly coveted commodity based on the early market.

If you’re looking at the NFL rumors concerning quarterbacks, you’re likely going to see plenty about Aaron Rodgers, Lamar Jackson and, until he signed with the Saints on Monday, Derek Carr as well. Even among other free agents, we’ve seen plenty about the likes of Jimmy Garoppolo. But very little has been said about Baker Mayfield.

That might not be the case around the league when it comes to front offices, though.

On Monday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Los Angeles Rams have real interest in bringing Mayfield back after signing him during the 2022 season following his release from Carolina. The Rams aren’t alone, though, as the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have also expressed interest in the former No. 1 overall pick.

It’s my understanding that the #Rams would like to keep Baker Mayfield, but will have competition. The #49ers like Mayfield and the #Bucs are a sleeper. I’d expect him to land on a number around $8M. pic.twitter.com/YfaLWc4jZx

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 6, 2023

NFL Rumors: Baker Mayfield already drawing interest from 3 teams

Mayfield has seen his star take a massive hit over the past few years. After helping to guide the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs, he appeared to be trending up and on his way to being a savior in a football-crazy town. Instead, things soured dramatically, paving the way for his exit and eventual trade to the Panthers.

Whether it was Matt Rhule, who was eventually fired, or Mayfield, things didn’t work out in Carolina at all. The quarterback was released and eventually landed with the Rams as they tried to navigate the Matthew Stafford injury.

While Mayfield didn’t turn the season around in Los Angeles, he did help to stabilize the position amid injuries and, more importantly, was praised by coaches and teammates alike for his leadership and professionalism, especially given his unique situation.

As for the teams involved, the Rams’ familiarity makes sense why they could want the former No. 1 pick back to backup Stafford or compete for the starting job. Meanwhile, he could be depth for the 49ers and might be the favorite to start when battling with Kyle Trask in Tampa.

In any case, while we haven’t been talking much about Baker Mayfield, teams certainly are and he’s a name to watch this offseason.

source