Rams' Baker Mayfield: 'I'm A Starting QB!' Which Teams Agree?
In this story:
If Derek Carr rides to New York, the New Orleans Saints could reportedly look to the west to fill in their vacant franchise quarterback spot.
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer listed Los Angeles Rams thrower Baker Mayfield as a name for Saints observers to keep an eye on in free agency as the team continues to work its way through the post-Drew Brees era. While the Saints have been linked to Carr, the former Las Vegas Raider who's visiting the New York Jets this weekend, their relative past with Mayfield could help them find some stability under center after working through the first Brees-free season with Andy Dalton and the injured Jameis Winston.
Another quarterback to watch in free agency for New Orleans would be Baker Mayfield," Breer claims. "The Saints staff was high on Mayfield ahead of the 2018 draft, and those old draft evals can definitely have an impact down the road with guys as they get older and hit free agency, especially when there’s a need that can be tied to it."
At season's end, Mayfield said of his time with the Rams, “This place has been unbelievable for me. I think I’m going to look back and be really, really grateful for ... the things I learned.”
But he also made a declaration.
“I know I’m a starting quarterback,” he said. “I’m confident in that, and we’ll just see what happens.”
Mayfield is seeking an aerial redemption after his time as the Cleveland Browns' primary passer came to an unceremonious end. He began the year with the Carolina Panthers but found a quantum of salvation with the Rams, who picked him up off waivers in December. Though Mayfield went 1-3 as a starter, he made national headlines for his substitute performance in a nationally-streamed victory over the Las Vegas Raiders mere hours after he was officially added to the Rams' roster.
With Matthew Stafford set to return to Los Angeles' passing domain this season, any desires Mayfield has at another starting opportunity would have to come elsewhere. In January, Mayfield claimed that he would not "chase a check" when it came to his looming free agency.
Want to see the Rams? Get your L.A. game tickets from SI Tickets here!
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Rams? Click Here
Want to join in on the discussion? Click here to become a member of the Ram Digest message board community today!
Follow Ram Digest on Twitter and Facebook.
Want even more L.A. Rams news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
