What happened to Baker Mayfield in Cleveland Browns?

Quarterback Baker Mayfield was selected as the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. The Browns drafted Mayfield to solve a shot caller problem that the team had for ages.

It seemed perfect when it happened, as Mayfield was just a year removed from winning the Heisman Trophy as the best player in college football. Several teams wanted Mayfield, who was fresh out of Oklahoma State University, a talent factory for strong-armed quarterbacks.

Therefore, when the Cleveland Browns secured the worst record in the league, it was a foregone conclusion that they would use the first pick in the draft on Baker Mayfield. They did, and as they say, the rest is history. However, history isn't always too kind to NFL teams, which is the case with Baker Mayfield.

Baker Mayfield's NFL career thus far

Mayfield started his NFL career with the Browns with a bang, adapting to the NFL game like a great white in open waters. From the jump, Mayfield was one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and it was only his debut season. He threw for 27 touchdowns, had 14 interceptions, and he had a solid core for the future.

Sadly, that didn't last, as the next few years saw Mayfield plagued by injuries and losing form at pivotal times in the season. Besides a stellar 2020 season, Mayfield always ranked near the bottom in major quarterback statistical categories.

The Browns eventually lost patience with their former quarterback of the future and started openly shopping for a replacement in the 2021 off-season. Eventually, their search led them to sign DeShaun Watson, thus relegating Mayfield to the QB2 role, effective immediately.

Mayfield felt disrespected by the Browns and requested a trade away from the only franchise he was suited for. Unfortunately, the Browns were initially reluctant before they traded away Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers, thus ending a four-year relationship that sadly never lived up to expectations.

Mayfield played in only seven games with the Panthers before he was waived by the rebuilding franchise, who were left unimpressed by his quarterback play. These days, Mayfield plays for the Los Angeles Rams as he looks to close out the season as the Rams' starting quarterback, Matt Stafford, is out.

How is Baker Mayfield performing in the 2022 NFL Season?

If we keep it a buck fifty, Baker Mayfield has had a rollercoaster 2022 NFL season. The former first-overall pick has been a member of three teams: the Cleveland Browns, the Carolina Panthers, and the Los Angeles Rams. He played in seven lackluster games for the Panthers and has already partaken in one for the Rams.

This season, Mayfield has racked up a stat line of 1,533 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions in eight games.