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3 NFL free agents who could find new homes in 2023

By Loyal Ricks Jr

NFL: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on December 19, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NFL: Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on December 19, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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2022 NFL
Jul 27, 2022; Spartanburg, SC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws during warm ups at Wofford College. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

3. NFL Free Agency 2023: Baker Mayfield will have the biggest audition of his career this season

Kevin Stefanski and the Cleveland Browns have occupied most of the tabloid space. Before the team decided to sign former Texan quarterback Deshaun Watson, discussions concerning their own former first-round pick suffocated newsrooms throughout the country.

A trade between the Panthers and Browns sent Mayfield to uncharted territory a year before his contract allowed him to enter free agency. Uncertain of obtaining a starting spot on the roster, Baker must prepare to give this season everything he has to offer.

Inconsistencies have placed the former Heisman winner in a peculiar situation entering the 2022 season. Instead of having a team to call his own, Mayfield must compete for a chance to run the offense against Sam Darnold – another former first-round selection.

Ironically, both quarterbacks entered the league via the 2018 draft. Separated by one selection, the No.1 and No.3 picks from the draft class will fight to progress their careers. Analysts believe Baker has the experience needed to win the job, but will he remain consistent enough to continue his career as a free agent?

Relying on Mayfield’s abilities became a problem for the Browns’ staff. After an impressive rookie season, the former Oklahoma Sooner began to experience a few setbacks.

His completion percentage and total yards passing have decreased steadily since his debut in 2018. Consistency in Baker’s yards per throw average has led many to believe that No.6 still has fuel in the tank.

Leaving an organization like the Browns could be a career rebirth for Carolina’s potential starter. With the demand for quarterbacks rising, a well-played season could help Mayfield land a prominent role in the league sooner than later.

Free agency has its way of bringing out the best in players across the league. While front offices prepare for a heartfelt goodbye, players who know their contract is near its end work hard to showcase their abilities for teams looking to invest in their talents for the upcoming season.

Making the most of each opportunity will be essential for all potential free agents this season. If each player proves to be productive, they could have a chance to become a star player for a different team next season.

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