The Browns and Panthers have finally reached a compromise, and it will end Baker Mayfield‘s Cleveland tenure. The Panthers are acquiring the former No. 1 overall pick, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL.com report (via Twitter). Carolina has since announced the move.
Carolina will send a 2024 conditional fifth-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for Mayfield, though Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com notes the pick is a conditional fourth. Clearing up this matter, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones tweets the pick could land in Round 4 or Round 5. Mayfield’s playing time will determine the pick, per InsidetheBirds.com’s Adam Caplan (on Twitter). This still marks a light return for a quarterback of Mayfield’s caliber, but his contract — along with leaguewide supply-and-demand issues at QB — had long been a sticking point for teams.
The sides reached an agreement to split Mayfield’s salary, the primary sticking point in their months-long talks. The Browns have agreed to pay $10.5MM of Mayfield’s $18.9MM fifth-year option salary, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets. To facilitate a Cleveland exit, Mayfield has agreed to trim $3.5MM off his 2022 salary, Garafolo adds. Mayfield agreeing to a reduction moved these long-running negotiations past the goal line, Yahoo.com’s Charles Robinson tweets.
Carolina will be responsible for just $5MM of its new quarterback’s salary. Mayfield can earn back the $3.5MM of his fifth-year option money through incentives, Garafolo adds (on Twitter). The Browns, who entered Wednesday in first place by a mile for cap space, will still gain $8MM in additional room from this transaction. This move pushes Cleveland’s available funds close to $50MM.
With the Panthers and Browns facing off in Charlotte in Week 1, this already-lengthy storyline likely will not cease for a while. But this provides a resolution for Mayfield, who had requested a trade as the Browns entered the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes. The Browns moved to acquire Watson, who changed his mind on Cleveland after the team proposed a fully guaranteed $230MM deal. That transaction has become one of the most controversial moves in NFL history, with Watson facing potentially a season-long suspension.
Mayfield, 27, has hovered in the background during that saga, with the Browns excusing him from minicamp. If he prevails against Darnold during the Panthers’ training camp, Carolina will deploy Mayfield against a likely Jacoby Brissett-quarterbacked Cleveland squad in Week 1. If Mayfield wins the job, he will be the Panthers’ fourth Week 1 quarterback in four seasons. Matt Rhule has acquired a starter-caliber QB in each of his three seasons at the helm, signing Teddy Bridgewater to replace Cam Newton and trading for Sam Darnold to succeed Bridgewater. Darnold, 25, is now in danger of being replaced, as Rhule navigates a hot seat.
Mayfield now has a few weeks to prepare for training camp with Carolina. His path to Charlotte encountered a hurdle during the draft, when the Browns were willing to pay barely $3MM of his salary. This led to talks breaking down and the Panthers trading into Round 3 to draft Matt Corral. The team circling back to Mayfield puts Corral on a developmental path, as the Browns hold a competition between 2018’s first two QBs drafted.
Despite Mayfield leading the Browns to their first playoff berth since 2002, he played through a major shoulder injury last season and saw his value crater. After a 10th-place QBR finish in 2020 — a 26-touchdown pass, 10-interception slate — Mayfield ranked 27th last season. Darnold has finished 25th or lower in QBR in each of his four seasons. Mayfield underwent left shoulder surgery in January but is expected to be a full training camp participant.
The 2017 Heisman winner enjoyed a rocky run in Cleveland, playing well in two of his four Browns seasons. A 2019 step back from a promising rookie season preceded Mayfield faring well in Kevin Stefanski‘s offense, but he now faces another prove-it season — one that will go a long way to determining his future earning potential. Mayfield and the Browns tabled extension talks last year. That development proved costly for the ex-Oklahoma superstar, though he can potentially earn an extension from the Panthers or a free agency payday in 2023 — if this season goes well.
Being the only known team enter serious negotiations for Mayfield, the Panthers had been the favorites to acquire him. While Mayfield said during a podcast appearance the Seahawks might be his most likely landing spot, Seattle was not believed to be interested in him via trade — only as a free agent signing. The Panthers ensured that could not take place. Carolina was similarly interested in Jimmy Garoppolo only as a potential free agent. Wednesday’s trade narrows the four-plus-year 49ers starter’s options as well.
Obtained for three draft picks — including a 2022 second-rounder — last year, Darnold struggled for much of his Panthers debut. The former No. 3 overall pick ranked 29th in QBR and missed time with an injury, continuing a trend on that front as well. Mayfield represents the USC product’s biggest threat to a starting role, with Darnold having smooth tracks toward QB1 gigs with the Jets and Panthers through four seasons. The upcoming battle may determine whether Darnold will be able to continue his run as an NFL starter or be resigned to backup roles in the years to come.
Next offseason; a new GM, HC, and QB room coming to Charolette! From 1st pick to a 5th round pick on a trade 4 years later. Fall from grace for sure.
Found the bitter Browns fan.
No. But I do love laughing at bad decisions by franchises. In this case, 2 inept franchises.
arty! How is this a bad decision? Darnold was a bad decision, this is very low risk and Mayfield is at worst a guaranteed upgrade over Darnold. Higher ceiling and floor. They were never going to convince Russel Wilson to come, so this is really their ideal QB move this offseason.
If Baker busts, they really lose nothing and still have an interesting young QB in Corral developing behind him.
Carolina’s biggest weaknesses last year were QB, O Line, plus lack of NFL coaching experience on the staff. Fitterer has addressed and almost certainly upgraded all of them quite well for one offseason. If you think they’re inept, you clearly don’t know the team very well.
You’re not getting more than 6 wins from him. He’s missed the entire offseason with his new team.
Did you watch that video OBJ’s dad made of his throws? That was embarrassingly bad. But spot on by his father.
arty! Carolina won 5 games last year with Darnold and a washed Cam Newton, no CMC most of the year, rookie College OC’s, and a terrible O Line. It’s almost impossible for the offense not to improve after upgrading each of those areas, and they still have a young talented defense.
They won’t beat Tompa Bay and compete for a SB, but if you really think they’ll stay the same or regress, that’s just a bad take based on nothing.
Browns went to the playoffs with Baker at QB. Put aside your Baker hate for a minute and be objective here.
Yes I do. The Panthers 1st round pick will be top 5. The HC was very interested in UM job if Harbaugh left. The owner is impatient. The GM hasn’t drafted very well. And both QB’s aren’t good and are already eyeing FA.
Its going to be a mess of a year for the Panthers.
I forget if it was Madden or Parcells who said this quote” “If you’ve got two quarterbacks, you have none.”
Still true today in Carolina.
@arty / Neither Madden nor Parcells had to coach through a 17 game schedule. Betting you have a starting QB that can avoid injury that entire time is a fool’s gamble.
Both dealt with injuries and 15+ games including their playoffs & SB runs. And I’ll add this, excluding injury with Mayfield and Darnold will start this year. Carolina started 3 different QB’s last and none due to major injury.
$1 says Carolina has a top 3 pick next year.
If you have two QBs… you don’t have one.
If your relying entirely on one QB and he’s lost for an extended period due to injury the season is over. Ask the Seahawks about that.
Huh? Most teams do have one QB, and a warm body in case he goes down. No one has 2 equally good QBs, if you do, it means you don’t have ONE!
Philadelphia had Wentz and Foles. Wentz may have been the league MVP had he not gotten hurt and Foles beat Brady for the Super Bowl. It doesn’t happen often but it happens. Simms and Hostettler.
That’s not what he said. Cute but not accurate. I know it can be difficult. Words. They’re so hard. Dictionaries help
That’s exactly what he said. Both were equally good. You don’t possibly win MVP and win a Super Bowl if both are not good.
Parcells was the one who said “If you’ve got two quarterbacks, you don’t have one”.
The same Parcells who only won two Superbowls with the GIants because he had Phil Simms AND Jeff Hostetler.
It should also be noted that the Dolphins only managed a perfect season in 1972 because a 38 yr old backup named Earl Morrall was able to step in when the starter Griese was injured.
Everybody has at least 2 quarterbacks
Yeah, Parcells has by far the most overrated quotes of all time.
The Browns were a lot more talented than Carolina. Mayfield’s decision making was bad last year. You’re not getting a great quarterback
@brown – I was about to say that. The Browns were a talented team, but pulled back ‘because’ of Mayfield. Two top RBs, good receiving corp, decent Oline but he couldn’t make it work. Acted as if he had an ‘S’ on his chest and made some really bad decisions. Honestly I think the Browns will be better served without him. And his reputation in the locker room is just the icing on the cake. His college days were bad, and apparently he hasn’t gotten any better.
…you’ve never actually watched Faker play, have you?
He only won one game last year. Against the Bengals. Otherwise, the Browns won despite Mayfield’s play. They may have made the playoffs if Keenum started more
Yea, getting the 10th ranked QB when not injured for basically free when you desperately need a QB is a terrible deal.
I could see you’d fit in really well as GM of the Browns. Or maybe the Jets…
Just glad he’s off that dump in cleveland. Even if Carolina isn’t a much better destination currently. browns aren’t doing anything with brissett at qb in 22. Baker will be aight in carolina if they give him some time to learn and a stable coaching staff/offensive scheme. (Which the brownies failed to do.)
Probably a new front office in Cleveland also…..
The current Browns front office didn’t draft Mayfield. As for the Watson acquisition, I’d say Haslam was probably involved just as much as the FO. If Cleveland wins, which they are loaded with talent, the FO isn’t going anywhere
Brownsbacker, I actually respect your comments for the most part (colored by the minor but readily admitted Browns slant), but you seem to have soured on Mayfield since this saga began.
I could understand disillusionment with Mayfield’s attitude since the spat began (though I believe personally that the blame lies more with Cleveland than with Mayfield), but I don’t get why you’re now claiming that Mayfield is a bad quarterback. I recall you (rightfully) pointing out that Mayfield was mostly above average as a starter. His recent situation shouldn’t affect how capable he actually he is.
I actually like Baker. I think he’s better than last years version but I don’t think he’s getting better. He’s like Ryan Tannehill. You can win some games with him, but he’ll eventually break your heart. I wish him well. I really do
Only thing that will save the Browns is a new owner.
Same can be said for many franchises! DC, Jags, Jets, Chargers, Bears…..Long list
i agree on all those except the chargers. I cant remember a stretch when the chargers were anything close to the browns … seems every year they are atleast competitve but that division is always tough with atleast 2 teams being a top team
The Spanos family is despised from what I’ve read. And never won much.
Chargers are pretty much every year considered one of the teams to make the playoffs. Once you in the playoffs its anyone’s game. Look at the giants a few years ago taking down the undefeated patriots after barely squeezing into the playoffs and never having a home game. the under dog bengals.
Owners can be despised and the team still be good. Look at the yankees they are loved and hated by a lot of people and probably more haters since george died. Love em or hate em they are still well ran.
@ rct / Browns isn’t working so perhaps a re-brand to a different color could work.
*Charlotte
Both can be true.
You’re a creak
So when the focus of the sports world is on trades in other sports, the Browns and Panthers decide to do this under the radar. I still don’t understand what the Panthers are doing. I think Sam could be just fine with a better o-line and a full year of a healthy McCaffrey.
Mayfield definitely better
If Darnold could be just fine, we would have seen it by now. You can’t start a year with him as your plan.
Sets up a QB competition. May the best man win. Low risk deal for Panthers.
I think the Panthers overpaid. They gave up possibly a 4th round pick, 5 million dollar salary, and the guy can leave next year. They will get back the pick though. Baker still won’t get Carolina anywhere close to the playoffs
$5 million and a 4th round pick is a tiny price to pay for the best QB on your roster, even if he’s not great. Not saying the Browns did badly here, but I can’t argue with this move for the Panthers.
Having Mayfield reduce his salary helps but Carolina was really competing against themselves. I knew Cleveland wouldn’t release him, but I guess Carolina wanted to get him in case some starting quarterback got injured in training camp.
4th and 5th rounders are often traded for totally inconsequential players and the Panthers are paying Mayfield about $200K more than the Browns are paying Brissett. He’s making nearly $2 million less than Bridgewater. They’re paying their best starting option backup money. Good for them.
The Jags traded a 5th round pick a few years back for Josh Dobbs, who was likely going to get cut. A 4th and $5M for an upgrade at the most important position on the field is very, very little.
Now, if you’re questioning whether its necessary because they wont be a contender either way, then sure. But when GM and HC are on the hot seat, not trying to squeak out every win possible just isn’t going to happen.
“Other Sports” = not the NFL. Mayfield to the Panthers is the lead story on CBS Sports’ website at this moment.
The Jets going 7-9 in 2019 had a lot to do with their defense and little to do with Darnold.
Or NBA & MLB but your definition works too.
that is very true as well as the jets defense carrying them to the afc championships years ago despite butt fumble sanchez at qb.
I’d say it would work out for the Browns if Watson can’t play this season and they tank it, but then the Texans are the ones who would benefit, right?
They won 8 games last year with the 27th rated quarterback and lots of injuries and covid. Hard to see them tanking. Way too much talent on defense, offensive lineman and running backs. You can pray for it if you want though
If Jacoby Brissett is starting games for them, then yes, they are tanking.
I don’t see how he’d be any worse than Mayfield was last year. Watson isn’t missing the whole season. Guaranteed
Setting aside your baseless opinion about Watson, Brissett is terrible. He’s absolutely worse than Baker was last year and I’m not even a fan of Baker’s. There’s a reason why Brissett is a career backup and that reason is that he is not a good QB. If Brissett plays the whole year, Browns are not winning more than 5 or 6 games.
Brissett never had the talent he has with Cleveland. He doesn’t turn the ball over like Mayfield. With Miami last year, no running game and no offensive line. He has both with Cleveland
They won’t tank on purpose, but might be accidentally bad like last season.
They came with a game of winning the division
That’s just a fancy way of saying they sucked.
8-9 doesn’t suck. Their quarterback sucked.
More like 7-9. Really can’t count the last game.
Both teams played backups. Keenum played. Chubb and Hunt didn’t. They all count.
So they sucked?
Whole division was mediocre, one game out doesn’t mean the Browns were *good*
And were very close to dropping a game to Houston. Would have lost the game had Taylor not gotten hurt. The Browns were an average team, at best last season.
I agree they were average. 8-9 says that. My response was to the guy that said they sucked. Better quarterback play was all they needed. They had a top 5 defense and a running game that averaged over 5 yards a carry with the top 3 backs
so you are saying brisset is a better qb than mayfield?
Brisset never had the talent around him to do well?
The two years he was starter for the colts he wasnt even 500 as the qb. The years he wasnt the start but the back up for them the team made the playoffs. He also couldnt manage a win and actually got shut out by a tyrod taylor led buffalo bills when he was quarterbacking the superbowl winning patriots.
Heck i would have given tyrod a chance over brissett if they would have signed him.
Mayfield was the 27th rated passer last year. He was hurt. I don’t expect the Browns to make the playoffs if Brissett starts all year, no team can do that really. Of course Brissett isn’t better than Luck or Brady but Mayfield isn’t Luck or Brady. Keenum started 2 games last year and won them both. Brissett and Keenum are both career backups
so you are comparing Keenum’s 2 wins against the broncos with 2/4 starting WRs injured while coming off a short week and the Bengals who were resting their starting QB against to point out how great the Cleveland team is without Baker Mayfield? Shoot i think you could have put the practice squad from the jaguars out there and they would have probably won those games.
Everyone has injuries. I didn’t say Brissett was better than Mayfield. I said that Brissett can play as well as an injured Mayfield did last year. He was terrible. 27th ranked terrible. He’s better than that but he’s the reason the Browns didn’t make the playoffs last year. Management wanted to upgrade. That’s why they got Watson
So what. Lots of teams almost lose to lesser teams. Some even lose. Bengals lost to the Bears and Jets and made the Super Bowl.
If its a so what why would YOU even bring it into the conversation? … “Keenum started 2 games last year and won them both.”
Also just throwing this out there. Watson has never made it past the 1st round of the playoffs which included a year that he had an all pro 1st team WR, all pro 1st team def lineman, pro bowl running back, and other pro bowlers sprinkled on the team and a defense that was top 5.
Who was his pro bowl running back? The Browns have 3 pro bowl offensive lineman, a pro bowl running back (2 actually), and 2 pro bowl defensive players. Watson actually had a better year after those guys left. His last year playing, he led the conference in passing. Without Hopkins, Fuller and no backs. You can think he’s no good All you want if you don’t mind looking foolish
well if you want the whole pro bowl team that year it was 6 pro bowlers on 3 defense and 3 offense .. 3 def line, a wr a rb (Lamar Miller since you asked), and watson himself. they also had 3 all pros in total with watts, hopkins and kareem jackson.
I am not saying he is no good he is definitely upper half probably top 10 when he is playing regularly. What im saying is he so far has looked like the cowboys team, Chokes first rd in the playoffs. You are acting like this is Madden football and not accounting for rust as he will probably be 2 yrs removed from playing at that point and will need game time action to get up to speed and will need to get accustomed to new team, new game plan / strategy, and shake off the rust from not playing for 2 years. Im thinking about a halfish season before he is back to form.
he did lead the league in passing yards with a 4-12 record. So if you are happy with a qb that can pad his stats and lead the team to a horrible record more power to you. Which coincidentally is the same year Mayfield was 11-5 in a tougher division and beat the texans but so what right?
The team gave up 30 points a game. He’s definitely top 10. The guy made the pro bowl 3 of his 4 playing years. What was Mayfield last year? 27th ranked. He’s the reason they didn’t make the playoffs. Watson is clearly an upgrade. I doubt he’ll need to shake off the rust. It’s not like he’s been injured. He’s still practicing and getting to know his teammates and the system. The last 2 quarterbacks to win the Super Bowl were playing for a new team, new system, getting to know their teammates. If you’re good, you’re good. I realize you want Watson to fail but it’s just not gonna happen. The Browns will be perennial contenders every year
I see you make up stuff. I just researched it and the Texans never had more than 3 guys make the pro bowl in the years Watson was on the team. And those 3 include Watson in 18, 19 and 20. What did I tell you about lying? Maybe at one point in their career they made the pro bowl but no more than 3 in any year. Heck, if you want to consider all time, the Browns have about 8 on the team. It’s actually 10 on their roster right now
So what. Lots of teams do that
Yikes, what a wasted 1st pick and literally paying to get rid of him. Crazy, especially since Watson might not even take a snap this season.
“Wasted seaaaason!!” *Jimmy G enters chat*
Browns being the Browns!
Have you had your user name since you were 12 years old?
Great zinger for a 9-year old Browns fan…
I guess there’s really not much you can do with a name like Sherman.
Bryzzo2016 They just had no leverage. The entire NFL knew their relationship with Baker was beyond repair and there was no way he’d play for them again while Watson’s out, and that their front office wanted him gone ASAP.
Browns tried to posture, but everyone knew they’d have to cave and make a deal on another team’s terms sooner or later.
I genuinely hope he does well for the Panthers. The Browns did him wrong.
How did they do him wrong? He was named captain from day 1 and unquestioned starter for 3-4 years. He didn’t live up the pick.
Same thing going on in AZ right now. Except it seems they may extend Murray.
They called out his supposed ‘maturity’ issues, then traded every pick not nailed down for a sexual predator to replace him. That is peak ‘doing him wrong’.
He had maturity issues. He grabbed his crotch in college in front of the fans
Please stop, dude. We all know you’re trolling and satirizing idiotic Browns fans. But just stop. It might work if you put any effort into it, but you don’t. So please stop filling up these articles with this nonsense.
You don’t think Mayfield has maturity issues? He grabbed his crotch. He was always in a Twitter feud with someone. Colin Cowherd. Rex Ryan. Wouldn’t show up for a NFL mandatory media interview.
So you’d rather have a starting QB that asks his massage therapists to grab his crotch after a massage than a guy who grabbed his own crotch in front of fans in college???
That makes total sense and explains the state of the Browns for the last 30+ years.
I’d rather have a better quarterback, so yes. At least Watson asked.
That Brownsback9 dude is a clown.
He touched his crotch in college! OMG! The horror! Ban him for life!!!!!
At the fans. You don’t find that immature?
I thought it was one of the most mature examples of crotch grabbing I’ve ever seen. I was thoroughly entertained.
Do you usually get entertained when guys do that? Don’t answer that. I’d rather not know. It’s not my business
That the idea me enjoying that upsets you so much, says a lot about you as person.
Not upset. Your entertainment is your own business.
IDK…you sound pretty upset….
Why would I get upset? You’re free to enjoy what you want. You’re kind of a weird dude?
Watson grabbed his crotch after exposing it to masseuses, so they are similar.
Did Mayfield maybe think that there were children at the game? That was not a good look.
I’m no fan of Watson, but he clearly is a better QB.
Yes Watson is a bteter QB. But the problem is he has much more baggage. hell he may have more baggage then any other QB in recent history!
Whoopee do! Once his suspension is over, it’ll be forgotten. Mike Vick went to the federal penn for 2 years, then got another $100m contract from Philly.
But Philly didn’t sign him to that stupid contract before he was punished. He did his time before coming back.
He literally did time too.
You’re right. Atlanta signed him to a $100m contract prior to prison. Then the Eagles did after getting out. Two $100m contracts for Vick.
Watson’s charges will be nothing but a memory once his suspension ends.
You’ll see women fill the stands at Cleveland to watch him play. That’s a fact.
He might have been a better QB while in Texas. Let’s see how he actually does when and if he gets to play for the Browns.
Don’t forget that when he heard the rumors he asked the Browns about it and they said, “No, you’re the guy!” Then a day later they trade for and re-sign Watson to the most expensive contract for a QB. Obviously telling Mayfield he’s not the guy anymore.
Mayfield had every right to be upset and demand a trade and to even take the Browns management; which has always been in disarray, to task publicly.
Did you really have faith in Baker? He’s an average quarterback. I like Mayfield, but I don’t believe you can win with him. Doesn’t seem smart enough
And Watson is the epitome of smart???
As a quarterback, yes he is. Watson’s last season…..4863 passing yards. 33 TD’s. 8 interceptions. 452 rushing yards. 112.3 rating. If that’s dumb, I’m ok with that
Get ready for a slew of new At Home with Baker Mayfield commercials…
Doubt he can even find his new home at this point
Browns vs. Panthers week 1. Can’t wait to see Baker torch the Brownies.
Ward will get a pick
I think they all can, because of legalized gambling. Or maybe that’s just what Calvin Ridley told me.
As of now CBS will limit Browns-Panthers to Cleveland, Toledo, North Carolina, South Carolina, and adjacent Georgia. Steelers-Bengals is the featured CBS early game for Week 1.
That’s why I have the Ticket
Good for Baker. Glad he’s finally free of that garbage organization. Watson and the Browns deserve each other.
Well, this news blows the whole Brownbacker9 narrative about why they’d never trade Mayfield (get some popcorn)…
Well played Sherm!
That guy also compared Watson to Jesus at one point, so you never know what he’ll come up with next.
And Mayfield is Barabbas
@Sherminator leave that man alone lmfao!
I said they’d never release him. Look at my post from earlier today Sherman. They got better than I thought they would. I knew they’d trade him before they’d release him. Never made sense to release him
I love that name Sherminator. I bet you’re looking at your Arnold poster in your bedroom right now. You need a new pocket protector for your pens
The Saga is over!!!!
Hopefully not for the Browns!
Am I the only person looking for Steve Smith’s reaction?
You might mean Robby Anderson
Credit where credit’s due. That was a great comment, Brownsbacker.
The team that most needed a better option for starting QB and the QB who most deserved a shot at a starting job. Refreshing to see the obvious thing finally happen.
Panthers gain a QB to stabilize the position for this year, get a chance to evaluate Baker in their system to see if they want to extend him, Have him healthy to pair with McCaffery, Moore and Robby behind a revamped O-line
Browns get off of Baker with a chance to earn a 4th round pick.
Don’t see the downside of this trade for either team. People forget Baker had a 26/8 TD:INT season with the 10th highest QBR (ahead of Watson) just a year ago when he was healthy
Wrong. Watson led the league in passing that year. He was 1st team All Pro
Yes he did, he also had a QBR of 63.7 compared to Bakers 65.5
You do realize that QBR takes the teams record into account? Baker had a good year but there’s no way he’s a better quarterback than Watson.
BB did say he would be traded to Seattle so his track record is 100% wrong. Seattle is waiting for Jimmy G to get cut. SF doesn’t want him in Seattle they need to trade him so we don’t get a chance. The Brownies would be a good place for him. Would cover the spot if Watson is out the year or could play while Watson shakes the rust off. If Watson plays this year they can sideline Jimmy G when he is ready.
SF doesn’t need to trade him but it is the best way to keep him from Seattle. The 49ers would keep him out of the NFCW. To me would be an obvious trade.
I’ve never said that. I’ve never said where he would be traded. I’ve said that they wouldn’t release him. They didn’t. Just like Watson, if you accused me of saying that, you need to prove it. You can’t because I honestly didn’t think Seattle would trade for him. I didn’t think Carolina would either
Wait you can kind of make up stuff or twist it to fit your narrative and not me? I wasn’t sure if you said it or not wanted to see your reaction because you do it a lot. Like the tape example I never said or implied he raped anyone but you made it sound like I did. What do you think about Jimmy G going there for a year? If they want to win it will be their best chance.
Have to see what Watson gets first.
When it’s all said & done, Mayfield is a high-profile game manager with plenty of baggage.
@atamas; maybe. If Carolina truly has stable management in place including doing a good job of controlling player “chattiness” which breeds dessension, I’m curious to see how Mayfield performs in that kind of environment. IE was his “plenty of baggage” with him before Cleveland or did the instability of a management structure/foundation while there bring it on ? A mix of both?
There is only a 2-letter difference between “Browns” and “clowns”.
The Browns will start the season without Mayfield or Watson as their starter.
Fun fact: week one is Carolina at Cleveland
Sounds like Denzel Ward will get a pick
PFR should pay me. I’m more popular than anyone on here. What do say PFR?
You’d probably just blow all the money on massages like your hero
Never had. Don’t think I’ll start now
Had what? Money? Sounds about right.
Wish they could change the SNF schedule. That Week 1 Browns vs. Panthers game is gonna be exciting.
There’s intrigue, but let’s not go overboard. I don’t think the NFL or NBC is clamoring for Jacoby Brissett (or Deshaun Watson for that matter) to kick off their primetime football season.
Not at the expense of Buccaneers-Cowboys which is the NBC game.
Tbh, that’s not a very exciting matchup. Not a rivalry, no narrative, plus the Cowboys aren’t looking that good for this season.
Brady vs. America’s Team > Watson vs. Mayfield.
Between the accused serial rapist and the non-adult, SO many Browns stories this off season.
It will be nice when the actual season starts and the Browns are no longer relevant.
I’ll take the guy that got angry that his team lied to him over the guy that treats women like pieces of meat or worse.
Right this off-season has made me a baker fan I hope nothing but the best for him
Good. Glad he’s out of that dumpster fire organization and how sweet is it that he gets to face them in week one. Think he’s going to be fired up for that one to stick it to his old team? What would be even funnier if it is Brissett that has to head the Browns.
The only horse I have in this race is my dynasty league where I’ve had CMAC & DJ since they were rookies. The former isn’t as reliant as the latter on who’s behind Center.
However, Darnold absolutely took a header off the cliff after starting off like he would redefine “just needed a change of scenery”. Baker’s performance, in comparison, has been better than Darnold’s; and that’s factoring in the whole Gase Comedy because Mayfield didn’t exactly have a consistent HC environment.
The Browns?
They’ll be just fine.
Can’t give a fair opinion on Njoku because “consistency” but Chubb, Hunt, Cooper and that Defense? They just need a competent QB to ride out whatever suspension Watson gets
This off season has made me a baker fan I hope he has an awesome season.
I would have to think he got some assurance on being QB1 to trim some salary, otherwise it makes less sense.
Thank you browns! That top five pick you traded to the Texans in next year’s draft is now a top two pick. Congratulations on being the Cleveland browns. You’re ineptitude never ceases to amaze us.
Want to wager on that? Just because you want something to happen doesn’t mean it will. You look foolish. Are you?
Browns are one of, if not the worst ran teams in the NFL.
20-15 counting playoffs in the last 2 years. That doesn’t sound like the record of a worst run team. You can hate, but you gotta be objective.
You’re a creak
What is a creak?
I was really hoping Panthers didn’t pull the trigger on this. Great move for Mayfield, bad move for Carolina. This guy wasn’t great in Cleveland and had one decent year. Baker IS NOT what Carolina Panthers need at QB. Much like Darnold, never good enough and a pipe dream for the Carolina Panthers. As is fans of Carolina, we should be disappointed in these moves. First was Bridgewater, second Darnold, and now Mayfield in the last 4 years. It makes me sick to my stomach to see this. That 4th rounder this year might be the best option at QB going forward. I can’t wait to see Darnold and Mayfield out of Charlotte already. Very talented group besides a weak offensive line and QB. CMC, Moore, Anderson, and Marshal are being wasted because of stupid moves by the front office and coaching staff. Fire them all and sell the team. What an embarrassment!
Who would you suggest play quarterback? They tried for Watson. Wentz and Ryan changed teams this year but I’m not sure either one is better than Mayfield right now. Ryan was but he seems to be fading fast
There isn’t a QB today that can play behind the front 5. If there was, they’d have a very mobile QB and mayfield or Darnold aren’t those. That offensive line is horrible and there hasn’t been any improvements to it. Panthers O-Line nickname should be, “QB career killer”.