Emily Mayfield bid farewell to the “weirdest, most confusing year” in an emotional note on Instagram after her husband, Baker Mayfield, was released by the Panthers on Monday – and subsequently claimed off waivers by the Rams.
“Feeling grateful tonight,” Emily wrote on her Instagram Story Tuesday. “For the whirlwind, the chaos, the craziness. I’m thankful for the opportunity to walk alongside my bff for this once in a lifetime rollercoaster ride.
“I’m so thankful for our time in Charlotte. I met some REALLY incredible people & fell in love with an amazing city. You will certainly see more of us CLT!”
Emily shared her excitement to return to Los Angeles, where she previously lived, according to her Instagram bio.
“As for LA… I’m ready for you!” she said. “It’s been too long. I’m a PROUD Nebraska girl, but LA certainly holds a chunk of my heart too. It’ll be good to be back!
“And lastly, Bake, I’m one proud wife kid! It’s been the weirdest, most confusing, challenging, soul-searching year of my life. But the important thing is, we’ve done it together & with God at our center. I’m really proud of where we are, and where we’re headed. Thankful for the man you are today, and how you handle adversity with nothing but grace! Can’t wait to cheer you on #17! Go Rams!”
Mayfield, the first-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, landed with the Panthers in July after a trade from the Browns. It came four months after the quarterback initially requested a trade out of Cleveland in March, following the Browns’ pursuit of Deshaun Watson.
The 27-year-old was released by the Panthers on Monday in a decision that interim coach Steve Wilks said was mutual between both sides.
Wilks said Mayfield asked to be released after learning he was not in Carolina’s quarterback plans going forward, adding that things “didn’t work out.”
The Rams will inherit the remaining $1.35 million on Mayfield’s contract. Los Angeles was in need of depth at the quarterback position after starter Matthew Stafford was placed on IR Saturday, due to a spinal cord contusion. John Wolford and Bryce Perkins are currently atop the Rams’ depth chart at QB.
The defending Super Bowl champs are 3-9 and have some significant decisions to make this offseason. Stafford’s future will be a big part of the puzzle.
The 34-year-old quarterback has been out since he injured his neck in a Week 11 loss to the Saints. Although Stafford is eligible to return from IR in Week 17, Rams head coach Sean McVay said “there’s a good chance” he will not return to action this season.
When asked if the injury is long-term, McVay said “no.”
Mayfield could play as soon as Thursday night, when the Rams host the Raiders. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Rams were in the process of sending the playbook to Mayfield to study on his flight to Los Angeles.
The Rams have lost six straight games.
