By Alex Al-Kazzaz
The Baker Mayfield era in Cleveland is over. The 2017 Heisman Trophy winner has been traded to the Carolina Panthers. Cleveland is to receive a conditional fifth-round pick for 2024. That particular pick can possibly turn into a fourth-round pick. At this time, the trade is pending a physical.
A few months ago, Mayfield requested a trade from the Browns. It was rumored that he would be heading to Indianapolis, but for some reason, it didn't happen. Indianapolis soon went on to acquire Matt Ryan from Atlanta, and that's when the idea of Mayfield possibly going to Carolina began to slightly surface. After the Browns acquired DeShaun Watson from the Houston Texans, it became a no-brainer that Mayfield would be shipped off to another organization.
Mayfield is expected to compete for the starting position with Sam Darnold. Mayfield amassed a 29-30 record in Cleveland as a starter. The former #1 overall pick led the Browns to their first playoff appearance in 2020 since 2002. Cleveland would win their first playoff game since 1994. Unfortunately, he did struggle with nagging injuries last season.
Mayfield will look to win the starting job and lead Carolina to its first playoff appearance since 2017.