Baker Mayfield had been the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback for the better part of four seasons.
With him behind center, the franchise ended a postseason drought that lasted nearly two decades.
But even that feat isn’t enough especially when a Pro Bowler like Deshaun Watson became available.
Eventually, the Browns traded Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
That selection becomes a fourth-rounder if Mayfield plays 70 percent of the snaps this season.
It looks like the Browns will get an upgrade as the former Oklahoma standout was reportedly named the Panthers’ starter for Week 1, defeating Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker.
Baker Mayfield has reportedly won the Panthers starting QB competition over Sam Darnold. pic.twitter.com/0itmzPSSSW
— theScore (@theScore) August 18, 2022
The announcement comes as no surprise because Mayfield has been the best option on the Panthers’ depth chart.
However, this opportunity gives him a wonderful shot at payback because the Panthers will face the Browns in Week 1.
It would be ironic if Mayfield defeats the team that pays $10 million of his $18.8 million salary this season.
Mayfield could have had a chance to duke it out against Watson, but the Pro Bowler will likely not play during the first half of 2022.
Instead, Jacoby Brissett will likely take over for Watson.
Mayfield’s Career In Cleveland
It didn’t take long for Mayfield to make an impact on the field.
After being selected first overall in 2018, he was selected to the Pro Football Writers Association’s All-Rookie Team after finishing with 3,725 yards and 27 touchdowns.
During the year he led Cleveland to the playoffs, he had 3,563 yards and 26 touchdowns.
In his final run with the Browns, Mayfield completed only 60.5 percent of his passes for 3,010 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Mayfield dealt with shoulder and knee injuries throughout the 2021 season.
NEXT: Browns Insider Shares How Long The Watson Saga Has Lasted
This is so stupid. Baker is playing against his former Browns team in week 1 who still pays him while wonderboy Watson is suspended for sexual stuff. Not very mature of the Browns I say!!
I will always be a Browns fan, but cannot condone what Watson has brought to the team. He shows no remorse at all for what he has done! His message of how “he didn’t do anything” was so bad, he double talks.. For Jimmy Haslam to say he is a super star so it’s ok- give me a break – such nonsense. I feel sorry for what this does to the rest of our great team.!! I wish they would have stuck it out with Baker for one more year while he is healthy, I know Watson is a better QB, but don’t think it is worth all he has brought to the team!