Baker Mayfield Traded To the Carolina Panthers

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 29: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo: Getty Images)

Former Cleaveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has been treaded to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a conditional 2024 draft pick. The Browns will receive a fourth or fifth-round pick dependent on how much Mayfield plays in Carolina. For it to convert to a 4th rounder, Mayfield will have to play at least 70% of the snaps.

The former No. 1 overall pick in 2018 joins a team that already has a crowded quarterback room. The Panthers draft Matt Corrall out of Ole Miss in the third round 2022 NFL Draft just a season after trading for former New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold. Reportedly, Mayfield will not be handed the starting QB gig and there will be a competition for the starting job.

Both Darnold and Mayfield were highly touted prospects in 2018, with Mayfield and Darnold being the first quarterbacks taken off the board in the 2018 NFL Draft taken at 1st and 3rd overall respectively. Mayfield and Darnold lead the NFL in total interceptions since entering the league in 2018.

Cleveland Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam released a statement regarding Mayfield and his contributions to the Cleveland community. “We want to thank Baker for all his contributions to the Cleveland Browns,” they said. “From the moment he was drafted, he gave his all for this organization and this city. With his fierce competitive spirit, he excited the fanbase and accomplished things that no player at his position had done in Cleveland for a very long time. He also made a difference in the community, whether it was hosting events at the Boys and Girls Club, honoring our troops, supporting the Special Olympics as well as countless other charitable endeavors. We are grateful for everything he did for this organization and wish him and Emily well in the future.”

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Mayfield had requested a trade from the team following the acquisition of Deshaun Watson amidst his 25 civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct. His tenure in Cleveland was inconsistent and tumultuous. Mayfield played with four different head coaches in his Browns career and a shoulder injury last year caused significant declines in his game. This, plus the team’s declination of his fifth-year option and lack of contract negotiations was all fuel to the eventual divorce.

The Panthers play the Browns in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL Season.