49ers HC comments on chasing Baker Mayfield

Following his release from the Carolina Panthers, much speculation has arisen regarding Baker Mayfield and his future in the NFL.

While there was a league-wide assumption that the San Francisco 49ers would put their hat in the ring for Mayfield, coach Kyle Shanahan has his fears.

Former Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield is expected to be claimed on waivers today. The team that claims him will inherit the remaining $1.35 million of his contract. Mayfield is unlikely to land in San Francisco. “We investigate everything, but that would surprise me at this point,” Kyle Shanahan said.

—Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 6, 2022

This could be a red herring of Shanahan in a public setting, who could still lay claim to Mayfield.

The 49ers’ need at quarterback stems from Jimmy Garoppolo’s unfortunate injury.

In Sunday’s game, Garoppolo suffered a broken foot and will not play for the remainder of the 2022 NFL season.

Why did the 49ers sign Mayfield?

For starters, they could sign Mayfield just to have a backup for current starter Brock Purdy.

Nicknamed “Mr. Irrelevant” of the 2022 NFL Draft, Purdy will certainly have a chance to keep the job, especially given that he was able to pull off a win against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Although 49ers coaches and the front office have not mentioned this directly, it can only be assumed that Purdy will be put on a short leash this week.

Late on Sunday, it was announced that the 49ers had signed Josh Johnson off the Denver Broncos’ practice squad, who will effectively act as Purdy’s backup.

It remains to be seen if Mayfield adds to the mix.

With the 49ers currently holding a one-game lead over the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West, it’s paramount that they put their best team on the field.

Shanahan will have to determine if the combination of Purdy and Johnson will have the ability to get the job done.