The long wait for the former Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield ends today. Just a few hours after NFL insider Ian Rapoport commented on the Seattle Seahawks’ lack of interest in Baker Mayfield, the Oklahoma alumnus has found a safe landing spot with the Carolina Panthers. After several days of trade talks, the deal is set and just formalities are left. Even though the deal is pending a physical, both the parties have agreed upon the terms.
The 27-year-old Mayfield is entering the fifth and the final season of his rookie contract. NFL insider Ian Rapoport was the first person to break the news. “A new QB in Carolina: The Panthers are acquiring former No. 1 overall pick, Baker Mayfield, from the #Browns for a 2024 conditional 5th-round draft pick, sources tell me and Tom Pelissero. The deal is pending a physical. All parties split the finances to make it happen.” he wrote on Twitter.
A new QB in Carolina: The #Panthers are acquiring former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield from the #Browns for a 2024 conditional 5th-round draft pick, sources tell me and @TomPelissero. Deal is pending a physical. All parties split the financials to make it happen. pic.twitter.com/xuTLqosmZm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 6, 2022
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As it turns out, Panthers General Manager Scott Fitterer has fulfilled his promise to acquire an impactful signal-caller this offseason. This decision would salvage the shaky quarterback room of the Panthers, particularly when Sam Donald was expected to become the starting quarterback for the upcoming season.
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His records have been inconsistent throughout the journey, plummeting the rank of Panthers in the NFC South. However, Mayfield possesses immense experience in building the team alongside the Browns for nearly four seasons in the league. Before he came around, the Browns were in an abysmal situation. In his first two seasons starting, he won 6 games in back to back seasons. Not something to look down upon in a franchise like Cleveland, who have historically struggled to get Ws on the board.
Baker Mayfield will face the Browns in the first week itself
To make it a win-win situation, both teams have decided to split the salary. According to a media outlet, the Browns will pay $10.5 million of Mayfield’s $18 million salary cap for the 2022 season. This will help the Browns unload Mayfield and secure a leg space for making adjustments inside the organization.
Meanwhile, the cherry on the top of this trade is that Baker Mayfield will face the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 itself. However, he will be wearing a Panthers jersey, and the quarterback will have an opportunity to strike back at the team who went in pursuit of Deshaun Watson and sidelined him from the roster.
And the cherry on top of this Baker Mayfield trade:#Browns at #Panthers, Week 1.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 6, 2022
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The former Heisman Trophy winner was the No 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft class. He was successful in lifting the Browns from their losing streak and helped the franchise make playoff appearances during his tenure.
He passed for 14,125 yards, has registered 92 touchdowns for the Browns, and established himself as a starting quarterback for the team until the side went for the former Texans QB this off-season.
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Although the Browns have only exhausted a 2024 fifth-round draft pick, it would be counted as a win to get Baker Mayfield safely out of the team. Without much bad blood.
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