Baker Mayfield is a Cleveland Brown no more. Pending a physical, the 27-year-old will join the Carolina Panthers, meaning he will no longer be a part of the franchise that drafted him.
With the Browns making a very public run at Deshaun Watson, Mayfield was hung out to dry. His time in Cleveland was up and down. He led the Browns to the playoffs in 2020 and helped them defeat arch rivals Pittsburgh Steelers in their own building. Apart from that, he provided Cleveland fans with little reason to celebrate. He is now seeking a fresh start in Carolina.
His wife, Emily, posted via her Instagram page heading off to Carolina. What is also rather special is that it was hers and Baker's wedding anniversary as well. See a picture below.
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The move away from the Browns had been a long time coming, given that the relationship between the player and franchise had deteriorated.
Part of the deal that sends the 2017 Heisman Trophy Winner to the Panthers is a fifth-round, conditional draft pick. However, this pick is one that can become a fourth-rounder based on playing time per Mike Garafolo.
The Browns will also pay $10.5 million of the former Oklahoma Sooner's salary, while Carolina will pick up $5 million.
Will Baker Mayfield start for the Panthers?
Given how Sam Darnold played last season, one would think so. However, according to reports that have been floating around, Darnold is being considered the starter and Mayfield will have to win the job from him.
The former Browns quarterback is no doubt better than Darnold, but it remains to be seen how Panthers coach Matt Rhule wants this to play out. Having a quarterback battle in training camp is good for team morale.
Will Mayfield become the starter in Week 1? There is a strong chance he will.
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