The Cleveland Browns head into a big matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Both teams desperately need a win after losing Week 1, but this matchup means more than that for these franchises.
It’s the first time that quarterback Baker Mayfield has played the Browns since joining the Bucs. Mayfield hasn’t played for Cleveland since 2021, but according to Adam Schefter, Mayfield still owns a record in Cleveland.
“Despite spending only four seasons with the Browns, Baker Mayfield still has the most wins of any Browns quarterback since they returned to the NFL in 1999 with 30. Mayfield gets a chance to square off today against his former team, which traded him away after acquiring Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans,” Schefter posted.
Despite spending only four seasons with the Browns, Baker Mayfield still has the most wins of any Browns quarterback since they returned to the NFL in 1999 with 30. Mayfield gets a chance to square off today against his former team, which traded him away after acquiring Deshaun… pic.twitter.com/VIBCJANrNA
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2026
The Browns selected Mayfield with the first overall pick out of Oklahoma in 2018. He only spent four years in Cleveland, but left a mark on the organization. Mayfield went 30-30, including a playoff appearance during his time in Cleveland. He only won 12 total games during his first two years before an 11-5 year in 2020.
Despite some success, the Browns decided to move on from Mayfield and bring in Deshaun Watson. For many reasons, that deal has backfired on the Browns. Since Mayfield left, the Browns are 26-43 during the regular season.
The Browns have used 10 different quarterbacks since Mayfield left Cleveland. Most of the quarterbacks were veteran bridge players while the Browns tried to stay competitive when Watson was sidelined. It has been a long road for Cleveland, but they could get some revenge on Sunday.
The Browns won their last meeting with the Bucs in overtime during the 2022 season. Jacoby Brissett was under center for the Browns during that game. They mainly won because running back Nick Chubb ran for over 100 yards.
Now, Watson will get his first chance to beat the Bucs as a member of the Browns. This could be a make-or-break game for Cleveland. Another bad outing for the Browns could mean a change under center before the home opener. Browns fans want a revenge win over Mayfield, even if he’s the best quarterback to play for them since 1999.
NEXT: Todd Monken Is Making An Interesting Change With Deshaun Watson
