Mayfield on his way to Los Angeles, Rams claim former No. 1 pick through waivers

Baker Mayfield picked up by Los Angeles after being waived by Carolina Monday

(KYMA, KECY/ ESPN) - In a quick turnaround, former No. 1 pick Baker Mayfield is expected to be wheels up and flying to L.A. Tuesday night after the Rams claimed him in waivers, per league sources.

The Los Angeles Rams now inherit the remaining $1.35 million on Mayfield's contract from Carolina.

Mayfield was waived by the Panthers on Monday, just weeks after losing his starting job to both PJ Walker and Sam Darnold on a struggling offense.

This will now be Mayfield's third organization in two years, just four years after being selected as the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by Cleveland.

2020 was Mayfield's best season, throwing for 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions while leading the Browns to an 11-5 regular season, knocking out Pittsburgh in the Wild Card Round and coming inches shy of knocking off Kansas City in the Divisional Round.

Then Mayfield posted his worst season in 2021 on a losing team, leading to his demise in Cleveland with the trade for Deshaun Watson.

On the other side, the transaction makes sense for a Rams team desperate for a quarterback. Matthew Stafford has been sidelined with a neck injury and placed on the Injured Reserves list.

Former Arizona Western standout, Bryce Perkins, had two starts under center and John Wolford stepped in last week against Seattle.