Baker Mayfield made to eat his words as Myles Garrett and Browns executive take shots at their former QB 

After spending the first four years of his career with the Cleveland Browns, Baker Mayfield was traded to the Carolina Panthers ahead of the 2022 NFL season. Mayfield was unhappy with the organization after they acquired Deshaun Watson, and officially requested a trade during the offseason.

Mayfield didn't have to wait long to attempt to get revenge on his former team. The Browns faced off against the Panthers in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season in a highly anticipated match-up with interesting storylines.

Mayfield played into the moment by having T-shirts made ahead of the matchup, advertising himself as "off the leash." This was likely a reference to The Dawg Pound in Cleveland, a popular nickname for fans in their home stadium.

Mayfield was unable to get the revenge he was looking for in Week 1, as the Panthers were defeated by the Browns in a game that came down to a last-second field goal. Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett, a former teammate of Mayfield who recorded two sacks during the game, took note of the T-shirt slogan and referenced it after the game:

"It had us a bit off the leash"

Browns executive J.W. Johnson also got in on the fun, trolling Mayfield on Twitter after the game.

While Baker Mayfield was the one that started the trash talk against his former team, it appears the Browns got the last laugh, complete with a victory and punch line. Mayfield played fairly well, accounting for two touchdowns in a competitive thriller, but this loss may have hurt a bit more than most others during his career.

Why did the Browns trade Baker Mayfield to the Panthers?

Carolina Panthers QB Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns before being traded to the Carolina Panthers during the 2022 NFL offseason. His departure came after an inconsistent run that included periods of brilliance and major disappointments as well. He helped the Browns reach the playoffs just once, but did record a postseason victory.

Mayfield's trade was a result of the Browns acquiring Deshaun Watson via trade from the Houston Texans. The Browns signed Watson to a long-term contract extension, while Mayfield was entering the final year of his contract ahead of the 2022 NFL season. This essentially made Watson their franchise quarterback, ending the Baker Mayfield era in Cleveland.

Mayfield almost immediately requested a trade from the Browns organization. Mayfield believes he is still a capable starting quarterback and the Carolina Panthers agreed, as they acquired him to take over from Sam Darnold. It will be a fresh start for Baker Mayfield, who represents an upgrade on Darnold. Carolina faces the New York Giants next week after the Giants narrowly beat the Tennessee Titans 21-20.