Three years ago, the Cleveland Browns practically gave Baker Mayfield away, despite the fact that in 2021, the quarterback from the Oklahoma Sooners gave them their first playoff win in 26 years of franchise history. Even so, the Browns didn’t tolerate one bad season and removed him from the team to bring in Deshaun Watson.
The Browns, being the Browns, paid Deshaun Watson $230 million – all fully guaranteed – and in three years he has played only 19 games. It’s now virtually impossible that the Clemson product will play for the Browns again, as he’s recovering from two Achilles tendon injuries.
Currently, the Browns have four quarterbacks: Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, all competing for the starting role. Meanwhile, Baker Mayfield had a spectacular season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has become the face of the franchise.
Mayfield praised by Buccaneers Hall of Famer
Last season, Baker Mayfield had an MVP-caliber year – though it was going to be difficult for him to actually win it, given the presence of players like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson. Still, what Mayfield accomplished was impressive: 41 touchdown passes and 4,500 passing yards, along with a trip to the playoffs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend and Hall of Famer Ronde Barber praised the Bucs quarterback in an episode of The Ronde Barber Show – something unusual for him, given that he’s known for being highly demanding.
“The leadership qualities just jump out at you,” said Barber. “This guy makes tough plays in tough situations. He elevates the whole team. He’s had a new coordinator every year of his career, including this one. And I don’t think it matters. The guy just raises his game to whatever level it needs to be.”
Barber also made a remarkable statement, saying he considers Mayfield to be better than quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa, Jordan Love, C.J. Stroud, and Justin Herbert. Furthermore, the Hall of Famer believes Mayfield will have another season with 40 touchdowns and over 4,000 passing yards.
So it’s likely that with each passing day, the Browns are more and more regretful about giving Baker Mayfield away in 2022 in order to stick with Deshaun Watson – and now they’re left in the middle of a quarterback drama starring Shedeur Sanders.
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