Baker Mayfield's NFL Journey: All Teams He's Played For

Hey football fans! Ever wondered about the full Baker Mayfield experience in the NFL? This dude's been around the block, and it's time to break down all the teams Baker Mayfield has suited up for. From being the number one overall pick to bouncing around the league, let's dive into the career of this Oklahoma Sooner legend.

Cleveland Browns: The Beginning

The Cleveland Browns were the first team to give Baker Mayfield a shot in the NFL. Drafted as the #1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Mayfield entered a franchise desperate for a savior. The hopes were high, and initially, things looked promising. Mayfield injected life into a Browns team that had been the laughingstock of the league for years.

Early Impact

Mayfield's debut against the New York Jets in Week 3 of the 2018 season was nothing short of spectacular. Coming off the bench to replace an injured Tyrod Taylor, Mayfield led the Browns to their first victory in 635 days, ending a long, painful drought. The city of Cleveland erupted, and Mayfield became an instant hero. His poise, accuracy, and swagger were exactly what the Browns needed. For a moment, it felt like the Browns had finally found their franchise quarterback.

Promising Seasons

In his rookie season, Mayfield set the NFL record for most touchdown passes by a rookie with 27, breaking the previous record held by Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson. The future looked incredibly bright as he showcased his ability to make impressive throws and lead the offense effectively. In 2020, Mayfield led the Browns to an 11-5 record, their first winning season since 2007, and secured a playoff berth for the first time since 2002. They even defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round, marking their first playoff win in over two decades. Mayfield’s performance that year was a testament to his growth and potential as a leader.

The Downfall

However, things started to unravel in the following seasons. Injuries, inconsistent play, and internal conflicts began to plague Mayfield's time in Cleveland. The Browns' front office and coaching staff changes didn't help, creating instability around him. Despite flashes of brilliance, Mayfield struggled to replicate his 2020 success. His accuracy waned, and his decision-making came under scrutiny. The Browns' management eventually decided to move on, trading for Deshaun Watson in 2022, effectively ending Mayfield's tenure in Cleveland. Despite the disappointing end, Mayfield provided Browns fans with moments of hope and excitement they hadn't experienced in years.

Carolina Panthers: A Brief Stop

After his time with the Browns came to an unceremonious end, the Carolina Panthers traded for Baker Mayfield in July 2022. The Panthers were looking for stability at the quarterback position, and Mayfield represented a veteran option with starting experience. However, his stint in Carolina was short-lived and largely unsuccessful.

Struggles in Carolina

Mayfield's time with the Panthers was marred by inconsistent performance and injuries. He struggled to grasp the offensive system, and his accuracy issues persisted. In his seven games with the Panthers, he threw for just over 1,300 yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions. The Panthers' offense, as a whole, struggled to find a rhythm, and Mayfield often looked uncomfortable and out of sync with his receivers. It quickly became clear that Mayfield was not the answer to the Panthers' quarterback woes.

Released Mid-Season

Midway through the 2022 season, the Panthers decided to move on from Mayfield, releasing him in December. His brief tenure in Carolina was a disappointment for both Mayfield and the team. It raised questions about his future in the league and whether he could regain the form he showed during his best moments in Cleveland. The Panthers' experiment with Mayfield was a gamble that simply didn't pay off, leaving both parties looking for a fresh start.

Los Angeles Rams: A Temporary Home

Following his release from the Carolina Panthers, Baker Mayfield was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams in December 2022. This move came as a surprise to many, as the Rams were dealing with their own quarterback injuries and were looking for a temporary solution.

An Unexpected Opportunity

Mayfield's arrival in Los Angeles was nothing short of dramatic. Just two days after being claimed by the Rams, he was thrust into the starting lineup against the Las Vegas Raiders. In an improbable turn of events, Mayfield led the Rams to a stunning comeback victory, throwing for 230 yards and a game-winning touchdown in the final minutes. This performance was widely praised and showcased Mayfield's resilience and ability to quickly learn a new system. It was a brief but memorable moment that reignited some hope in his career.

Short-Term Impact

Mayfield played in four games for the Rams, providing a spark to a struggling team. While his overall numbers weren't spectacular, his leadership and ability to make timely plays were evident. He demonstrated that he could still compete at the NFL level and contribute to a team's success. However, his time with the Rams was always intended to be a temporary arrangement, as the team had their long-term quarterback situation to address. After the season, Mayfield became a free agent, ready to explore his options once again.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A Fresh Start

In March 2023, Baker Mayfield signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This move came after Tom Brady's retirement, leaving a significant void at the quarterback position. The Buccaneers were looking for a reliable option to lead their offense, and Mayfield saw an opportunity to revive his career.

Competing for the Starting Role

Mayfield entered training camp with the Buccaneers facing competition from Kyle Trask for the starting quarterback job. He worked hard to learn the Buccaneers' offensive system and build chemistry with his new teammates. His experience and leadership skills quickly became apparent, and he impressed the coaching staff with his arm strength and decision-making. The battle for the starting job was closely watched, but Mayfield ultimately won the competition, earning the trust of the Buccaneers' coaching staff and players.

Leading the Buccaneers

As the starting quarterback for the Buccaneers, Mayfield is looking to prove that he can still be a successful NFL player. He brings a wealth of experience and a chip on his shoulder, eager to show that he can lead a team to victory. With a talented group of receivers and a solid defense, Mayfield has the opportunity to make a significant impact in Tampa Bay. This fresh start could be exactly what he needs to revitalize his career and reestablish himself as a reliable quarterback in the league. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if Mayfield can seize this opportunity and lead the Buccaneers to success. So far, he's off to a solid start, showing glimpses of the potential that made him the number one overall pick.

So, Who Has Baker Played For?

To recap, Baker Mayfield has played for the following NFL teams:

• Cleveland Browns (2018-2021)
• Carolina Panthers (2022)
• Los Angeles Rams (2022)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2023-Present)

It's been a rollercoaster, guys, but that's the NFL for ya! Keep an eye on Mayfield as he continues his journey with the Buccaneers. You never know what's next in the wild world of football!