It's been quite the whirlwind season for former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield — from Cleveland Browns' starter to Carolina Panthers' starter, to Panthers' backup, to waivers, all in a span of five months.

After requesting a trade out of Cleveland, Mayfield has had an abysmal season with his new squad, going 1-5 and completing only 57.8% of his passes. Turns out it was a mutual decision between the Panthers and the disgruntled QB to part ways, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Mayfield was ready to move on as he was told he wasn't in the team's plans moving forward, and he'll be free to sign with a new team once he clears.

Mayfield played just seven games for the franchise and will be subject to waivers later today. A high ankle sprain did him no favors, sending him to the bench in Carolina behind Sam Darnold, who will start for the Panthers moving forward.

With 49ers' Jimmy Garoppolo going down for the season with a broken foot, it looks like San Francisco could be the landing spot for Baker Mayfield. It would make sense for both parties: another fresh start for Mayfield, and a quick fix for a 49ers squad that can't buy a healthy quarterback. Even Robert Griffin III thinks its a good fit:

Related Carolina Panthers NewsArticle continues below
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales with QB Bryce Young and a silhouette of an American football player with a big question mark emoji inside. There is also a logo for the Carolina Panthers.
Carolina Panthers 3 best trade targets to round out 2025 roster
Tetairoa McMillan, Jordan Brand, Panthers
Jordan Brand signs Panthers’ Tetairoa McMillan
Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan walks across the stage after being selected eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The draft runs through April 26.
Dave Canales’ ‘smooth’ review of Tetairoa McMillan will get Panthers fans hyped

https://twitter.com/RGIII/status/1599797861608148993

At the same time, the Seattle Seahawks might not want Mayfield in San Francisco as the NFC West playoff race heats up, especially since they are ahead of the 49ers' in the waiver order.

Given his track record this season, it's possible Baker Mayfield isn't claimed, in which case he'll become an unrestricted free agent. What a fall from grace it's been for the former Heisman Trophy winner.