49ers looking at Baker Mayfield would be lose-lose for both parties
By Mike Luciano
The San Francisco 49ers may not be done adding quarterbacks to their roster, as the injury concerns surrounding both Trey Lance and the banged-up Brock Purdy have the team gasping for air as they try to land a veteran signal-caller that won’t be stricken with a debilitating injury.
While some reports hinted that Matt Ryan, who won an MVP under Kyle Shanahan in his younger days, could be on the market, fans likely want someone with a bit more mobility and potential in the next few seasons. The latest rumors will sate those desires, but will still leave a large contingent of fans unsatisfied.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have both extended some feelers out for Mayfield. The former No. 1 overall pick has been put through the wringer as a pro due to subpar organizations and coaching staffs, so there is hope that he could get back on track.
However, the 49ers’ pursuit of a veteran quarterback should lead them far away from Mayfield’s camp. Mayfield is not the right quarterback for San Francisco right now, as the former Los Angeles Rams backup is better suited to either a bridge starter role or a backup spot for a contender.
Two options for the #Bucs at QB in 2023: #Rams Baker Mayfield and #Seahawks Drew Lock, according to @JFowlerESPN
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 5, 2023
Tampa is looking to add a veteran and Fowler says the people he spoke with mentioned both Mayfield and Lock as options.
Mayfield was also connected to the #49ers pic.twitter.com/L5YaankIuY
Will the San Francisco 49ers sign Baker Mayfield?
Mayfield, who will turn 28 in April, is just a few years removed from tossing 26 touchdowns against eight interceptions while leading the Browns to an 11-5 record and becoming the first Cleveland quarterback since the team returned in 1999 to win a playoff game.
After that season, Mayfield struggled, partially due to his insistence on playing through an injury. After a nightmare season with the Panthers, Mayfield showed enough flashes with the Rams to get the hype train started back up once again.
Mayfield probably wants either a chance to compete for a starting job or a very secure backup gig to give him the stability that he has lacked in his professional career. San Francisco can’t offer him either right now, especially when he would likely be the No. 3 choice at quarterback.
At a different time or place, seeing Mayfield in a Shanahan offense could make sense after he performed well for Sean McVay. Right now, however, San Francisco needs to sign a vet that doesn’t threaten Purdy or Lance. Mayfield is best left to someone with more time and resources that can be spent on milking his potential.
