NFL Rumors: Insider proposes shock Baker Mayfield-to-Ravens move
Can you imagine Baker Mayfield playing for the Baltimore Ravens? Well, don't discard the possibility. Although the Ravens need to figure out the whole Lamar Jackson situation, the team also has to decide how to proceed with the backup quarterbacks.
Mayfield, who will be 28 when the next season starts, will be a free agent after playing for the Los Angeles Rams in 2022. There's a lot of admiration for him inside the Baltimore organization, as The Athletic reporter Jeff Zrebiec pointed out in a recent article:
"I wouldn’t be too quick to dismiss a potential Ravens-Mayfield pairing. I’d fully expect Mayfield to sign somewhere that gives him the best opportunity to be the Week 1 starter. But if there’s not a decent starting opportunity available to him, the Ravens would represent a soft landing spot. It’s well-documented that the Ravens liked Mayfield coming out of the draft."
The Ravens did their due diligence on Mayfield in the 2018 draft as they were already looking for a replacement for Joe Flacco, but they ultimately landed on Lamar with the final pick of the first round. Perhaps they could acquire the first overall pick as well?
Baker Mayfield to Ravens? Free-agent quarterback could play for Baltimore in 2023
There's a ton of respect for Baker Mayfield inside the organization. The Ravens were not in a position to draft him in 2018, but they liked what they saw. Even after half a decade, they still love the kid – not only the decision-makers, but also some of their players.
"He has a good relationship with Jackson and he’s close with tight end Mark Andrews," Zrebiec reported. ?Ravens decision-makers have always liked and respected Mayfield. A lot would have to happen for it to become a reality, but it does make some sense on the surface."
After many good performances for the Rams in the 2022 season, it's unclear whether Baker would settle for a backup job in 2023, but it's difficult to imagine a team that would give him a chance to start as well.
If he's willing to back up Jackson, then it's not the craziest idea in the world. After all, Baltimore needs to rethink their entire quarterback room, and that includes finally locking Lamar for the long term. A talented backup wouldn't hurt.