In spite of Baker Mayfield helping the Cleveland Browns rise out of the NFL abyss, the team’s decision-makers became convinced he couldn’t lead them to the promised land.
In a long-awaited move, the Cleveland Browns traded quarterback Baker Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday.
Despite a combined record of 1-31 over the previous two seasons, the Cleveland Browns will receive a conditional fifth-round draft pick in 2024 for Mayfield, whom former general manager John Dorsey drafted first overall in 2018.
The Browns have also agreed to pay a portion of Mayfield’s $18.885 million contract of approximately $10.5 million. On September 11, Cleveland will face Carolina in their season opener.
Desperate for a quarterback, Cleveland went with Deshaun Watson, who has been accused by 26 women of sexual misconduct while receiving massages from former Houston Texans quarterback Mayfield.
During his first press conference with the Browns, Watson reiterated his position that he was innocent of any wrongdoing.
It became increasingly difficult for Mayfield to find a new home. Matt Ryan was traded to the Indianapolis Colts on March 21, and the Falcons agreed to sign Marcus Mariota and the New Orleans Saints agreed to re-sign Jameis Winston.
Trade rumors dissolved before the NFL draft took place in late April. It’s finally come to a conclusion after re-examining the previous discussions.
According to ESPN Stats & Information, Mayfield is only the third quarterback in the NFL’s common era (since 1967) to be selected first overall and play for their first team for fewer than four seasons.
For the other two, we have the Oakland Raiders’ 2007-09 starter and Jeff George of the Denver Broncos (Indianapolis Colts, 1990-93).
Why Was Baker Mayfield Traded?
The Browns acquired quarterback Deshaun Watson prior to the 2022 season through a trade with the Jets. As a result, Mayfield requested a trade from Cleveland, which left his future in the team in doubt.
