4 realistic destinations for Baker Mayfield after shock Panthers release

Baker Mayfield could join the 49ers

Baker Mayfield reportedly walked into the building and asked to be released when the Carolina Panthers reported back from their bye week. Did this have something to do with the unfortunate turn of events that transpired with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 13?

The veteran went off with a serious-looking ankle problem against the Miami Dolphins. San Francisco confirmed the worst and Garoppolo will now miss the remainder of the campaign as a result.

This is a disaster for the Niners, who went all in after acquiring Christian McCaffrey from the Panthers. But they are now without their top two signal-callers after Trey Lance also went down.

Undrafted free-agent Brock Purdy and Josh Johnson – who was signed on Monday – are their current options. That’s why Mayfield represents a legitimate option and would reunite with McCaffrey if this scenario comes to fruition.

General manager John Lynch will likely seek McCaffrey’s opinion on Mayfield, who was praised by the running back for his professionalism and adaptability in difficult circumstances during training camp. One potential complication is San Francisco’s position on the waiver order – which stands at No. 24 – so if there is interest, they need a bit of luck.

Mayfield’s time with the Panthers was a failure. Wherever he ends up next, this will undoubtedly be his final chance at proving he can successfully lead an NFL offense.