Baker Mayfield Traded To The Carolina Panthers
Jul 6, 2022, 11:44 AM | Updated: 11:48 am
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Quarterback Baker Mayfield has been traded to the Carolina Panthers for a 2024 conditional fifth-round pick Wednesday, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The former Cleveland Brown had been at odds with the organization after a tumultuous 2021 season that saw Mayfield battle numerous injuries and lackluster play for the majority of the regular season. The relationship continued to deteriorate in the offseason after Mayfield requested a trade from the Browns, saying “It’s in the mutual interest of both sides for us to move on.” The Browns traded for QB Deshaun Watson a few days later.
Both the Panthers and Browns agreed to split Mayfield’s salary, with the Browns paying $10.5 million and the Panthers $5 million. Mayfield will also take a $3.5 million payout to make the trade happen.
The conditional fifth-round pick could turn into a fourth rounder if to-be-determined requirements are met.
BREAKING: The #Browns are trading QB Baker Mayfield to the #Panthers in exchanged for a conditional fifth-round pick, per @RapSheet. The pick could turn into a fourth-rounder. Baker has a new home.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 6, 2022
Breaking: Baker Mayfield has been traded to the Panthers, the team announced. pic.twitter.com/ZAsayUKdM5
— ESPN (@espn) July 6, 2022
Mayfield had an up-and-down time as a member of the Browns, serving as both the savior and the villain in consecutive seasons. Cleveland made the playoffs in 2020 after going 11-5 behind Mayfield’s arm and the run game of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. 2021 was very different, the Browns went 6-8 as Baker battled through shoulder injuries and ankles injuries that left the veteran signal-caller hobbled on the field.
Mayfield now heads to Carolina after amassing over 14,000 passing yards and 56 TDs in three seasons in Cleveland. The 27-year-old now looks to win the starting job in a crowded quarterback room that also consists of Sam Darnold, PJ Walker and 2022 draft pick Matt Corral.
The Cleveland Browns are scheduled to play at Carolina in week one of the 2022 NFL regular season.
