Broncos officially pass on Baker Mayfield, could face him on Christmas

DENVER — The Broncos had the No. 3 priority on the waiver wire this week, but they decided not to put in a claim on quarterback Baker Mayfield.

And now, they could see him later this month.

The Los Angeles Rams — whose priority was one spot below that of the Broncos — claimed Mayfield. And it’s possible that he could play for them Thursday night against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Asked if Baker Mayfield has a chance to play Thursday night for the Rams, one source just texted, “There’s a shot.”

Team is in the process of sending the playbook to Mayfield to make sure he can study the offense on his flight to Los Angeles.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 6, 2022

Vested veterans who are released after the trade deadline during the regular season are subject to the waiver-claim process. That’s why Mayfield went through waivers rather than simply being released, as would be the case prior to the deadline.

One reason why Mayfield could be up to speed so quickly is his familiarity with the offensive nomenclature used by Sean McVay and the Rams. Mayfield worked in a similar scheme with the Cleveland Browns in the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Cleveland dealt Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers this summer. He struggled with the Panthers, posting a career-low 74.4 passer rating.

The Broncos lost Josh Johnson off the practice squad to the San Francisco 49ers this week. They plucked Johnson after losing Jimmy Garoppolo to a season-ending foot injury last Sunday. Denver was expected to sign former Washington State and University of Tennessee QB Jarrett Guarantano to take Johnson’s practice-squad spot, per a report from KUSA Ch. 9’s Mike Klis.

Guarantano spent time on the Cardinals’ practice squad this season. He flashed for Arizona in the preseason, posting a 114.9 rating on 17-of-30 passing for 232 yards, 3 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Schefter also reported that the Broncos would work out CFL quarterback Nathan Rourke on Tuesday. Rourke had an outstanding season for the British Columbia Lions, finishing with 25 touchdown passes against 10 interceptions.

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