Baker Mayfield’s era in Cleveland is officially over. The Browns announced that they have traded the 27-year-old quarterback to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a conditional draft pick.
According to the official announcement, the Browns are entitled to a 2024 NFL Draft selection. They will reportedly get fourth-round or fifth-round selection depending on Mayfield’s time on the field.
Mayfield was on the trade market ever since the Browns finalized a trade for the Pro Bowler Deshaun Watson back in March. The Panthers were immediately one of the candidates for his next destination, but their unwillingness to take on Mayfield’s full $18.8 million salary in 2022 proved to be a stumbling block in the conversations.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the two teams eventually agreed to split the salary in a way that the Browns will pay $10.5 million while the Carolina will pitch in $4.85 million. Mayfield himself gave up the remaining $3.45 million in order to facilitate the move.
In Carolina, Baker Mayfield now gets to have a fresh start and a second chance to lead a franchise. However, he isn’t guaranteed a starting spot and will have to beat Sam Darnold and rookie Matt Coral for the job. Mayfield and Darnold both entered the league as part of the 2018 draft class, with Mayfield being selected first overall and Darnold being taken third overall.
Mayfield leaves Cleveland with 59 starts under his belt and a 29-30 record in four years with the Browns. He threw for 14,125 yards, 92 touchdowns, and 56 interceptions while completing 61.6 percent of his passes. The Browns made one postseason appearance with Mayfield under center, reaching the Divisional Round in 2020.
