Baker Mayfield saw the writing on the wall for the rest of this nightmarish 2022 campaign. So, he’s having the Carolina Panthers sign him off.
As first reported by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport on Monday morning, the team is planning on letting go of Mayfield later today. Well, it turns that decision is a mutual one—as ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler later added that the former No. 1 overall pick asked for his release.
The Panthers, obviously, will be complying.
Source said Baker Mayfield release was a ‘mutual agreement,’ as Mayfield asked for release and #Panthers honored request. He wasn’t in plans. (@RapSheet 1st on release)
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 5, 2022
Considering interim head coach Steve Wilks and his staff were leaning towards naming PJ Walker their backup to starter Sam Darnold, a choice that became official this morning, Mayfield’s reported request makes sense. With five weeks left in the season and a trip to free agency head this spring, he may be able to find playing time elsewhere—perhaps most notably with the San Francisco 49ers.
Mayfield’s stay in Carolina ends with a 1-5 mark over his six starts with six touchdowns, six interceptions and 1,313 passing yards.
