Multiple Sources Reveal Grim Reality Behind Baker Mayfield‘s High Profile Cleveland Browns Exit

Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and his time with the franchise is a composition of shortcomings with some high moments. While the expectations were high for Mayfield after his selection as the No.1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, his performance didn’t live up to expectations. Despite some bright spots at a franchise craving a savior, Mayfield gave minor encouraging signs before it blew up after just 4 seasons.

The warning signs with Mayfield were there from his rookie season, and he could not deliver in the big moments. While the performances took an upturn in 2020 under head coach Kevin Stefanski, Mayfield was injury-hit in 2021.

The revolving door of head coaches and coordinators in the past 4 years never gave Mayfield time to settle down.

However, recent reports suggest Mayfield was never a great fit for the Browns and was a divisive figure in the locker room. According to The Athletic’s Jason Lloyd, Mayfield’s exit had specific reasons for harming team harmony and creating a toxic environment.

He stated, “Mayfield was widely viewed as childish and immature. His behavior annoyed teammates and divided the locker room. He was often difficult to coach.”

Can Baker Mayfield lift the Carolina Panthers from irrelevancy?

While the Browns organization was successful in offloading Mayfield from their books, it cost them almost $10.5 million in salary. The franchise will be receiving a 2024 conditional draft pick as compensation in the trade to the Panthers. Mayfield’s new team has a busy QB room with Sam Darnold and Matt Corrall, giving head coach Matt Rhule options.

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It seems to be a competition between Darnold and Mayfield for the starting job in 2022. Corrall seems to be looking to bide his time behind the two senior NFL QBs.

The fellow 2018 draft class members will be eager for the competition, with Mayfield looking to make the team for the Week 1 meeting against the Browns.

While the Browns look to Deshaun Watson as their future starting QB, the Panthers consider Mayfield a unique opportunity. The upcoming NFL season provides him the best opportunity to prove his doubters wrong.

He can become the catalyst to turn the Panthers franchise and their fortunes around. Despite the low odds of a significant turnaround, the Panthers fans have an exciting new addition to support in 2022.

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