THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The Los Angeles Rams signed quarterback Baker Mayfield after he was released by the Panthers to add the former No. 1 draft pick to their list of options behind the injured Matthew Stafford for the rest of the season. season.
Mayfield, the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner and former Cleveland Browns starter, was released Monday by Carolina at his request after seven disappointing games with the Panthers.
The struggling Rams host the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, and it’s unclear if Mayfield will be ready to participate with the team that has had to use John Wolford — who has dealt with a neck injury and other problems — and Bryce Perkins.
“I think you guys know as much as I do right now,” offensive coordinator Liam Coen admitted when asked if Mayfield will play Thursday. “I couldn’t tell you. I have not talked with him. I have only heard good things about him, his professionalism with Carolina and what happened there ”.
Coach Sean McVay was not scheduled to speak to reporters Tuesday after they acquired the quarterback whose college football talents intrigued the coach, but the two coordinators praised the acquisition.
Following speculation around the league that Mayfield could join the contending San Francisco 49ers or Baltimore Ravens, Mayfield will try to help out the injury-plagued Rams (3-9). Los Angeles has lost six straight games in what is shaping up to be the worst season in NFL history for a defending Super Bowl champion.
The Rams don’t need to intentionally lose the rest of the season because their first-round pick belongs to Detroit and they clearly need some help from a quarterback. It looks like Stafford will be out for the season with a sprained spine, and Wolford and Perkins have been ineffective in three of the last four meetings. Wolford passed for 178 yards and no touchdowns in Sunday’s loss to Seattle.
Mayfield was named the starter in training camp with Carolina, but went 1-5 as a starter throwing six touchdown passes and six interceptions.