5 players who need a strong finish ahead of 2023 NFL free agency

Baker Mayfield

Another quarterback who is set to be a free agent this offseason is Baker Mayfield but unlike Geno Smith, this year has not gone his way. The former first-overall pick was traded to the Carolina Panthers prior to the 2022 NFL season but was never able to solidify himself as the starter and would have only six passing touchdowns and six interceptions in six starts.

Mayfield would be released by the Panthers earlier this month and was claimed by the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams have been dealing with injuries at the position with Matthew Stafford placed on injured reserve and John Wolford dealing with a neck injury.

This opened the door for Mayfield to play almost the entire game on Thursday night against the Raiders. Amazingly, with only about two days of preparation, Mayfield looked probably the best he has had all season. He would throw for 230 passing yards with one touchdown and more importantly no turnovers.

Mayfield should remain the starter for the rest of the regular season and this gives him a chance to show that he can be a starting quarterback in the NFL. This offseason, there will be plenty of teams with questions at the position and a strong finish could get a team to roll the dice on Baker Mayfield.