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NFL Free Agency 2023: Predicting landing spots for top 10 QBs

By Sayre Bedinger

NFL Free Agency; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs to the sidelines against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
NFL Free Agency; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs to the sidelines against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL Free Agency
NFL Free Agency; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Baker Mayfield (17) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Baker Mayfield, Los Angeles Rams

Pick Analysis. QB. Baker Mayfield. player. Scouting Report. Rams. 5. 51

Baker Mayfield 2022 stats

  • 12 games
  • 60.0 completion rate
  • 2,163 yards
  • 10 TD
  • 8 INT

I know everyone has a different opinion of Baker Mayfield, but I think we could mostly all agree that in 2022, he got a raw deal from the Cleveland Browns. The Browns strung Mayfield along all offseason, knowing he wasn’t part of their immediate or future plans, only to trade him to the last willing team in the league instead of setting him free early on in the offseason.

If the Browns had done the right thing and released Mayfield earlier, or even traded him earlier, he might have gotten into a much better situation than the sinking ship that was the Carolina Panthers. By the time Steve Wilks took over as interim head coach, it was too late for Baker. That ship had sailed and Mayfield ended up hitting the waiver wire late in the season.

The Los Angeles Rams suffered a few injuries this season at the QB position, so they took a shot on Mayfield and it paid off for them. I guess, depending on how you look at it.

Mayfield provided some excitement early on. He helped the Rams to an obscene victory on Christmas over the Broncos that got Nathaniel Hackett fired in Denver. He was much more effective in Sean McVay’s offense than we’ve seen him in recent years, and you can’t help but wonder if there’s more opportunity for growth there.

I love the idea of Mayfield sticking with the Rams or going to the 49ers this offseason. I also love the idea of him latching on as Russell Wilson’s backup in Denver, working with Sean Payton. Mayfield has to go somewhere where the coach has a vested interest in seeing his development through. At this point, he’s a reclamation project, but not one without merit. Mayfield was the 2018 NFL offensive rookie of the year. There’s talent there. It’s going to take the right coach to unearth it and rehab his value so he can get more opportunities down the line.

Mayfield’s an Austin, TX native. Could we see a reunion between Mayfield and one of his former college coaches in Houston? It’s not out of the question, but the marriage with Sean McVay is too good of a situation for Mayfield presently.

Prediction: Signs with Los Angeles Rams

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