I do wish him well but I am glad that this drama is over.

At the end of the day, Carolina got him for a conditional 5th and $5M in salary. That's not much.

Wow why would they want a washed up QB?

Yep.

I was over it when we got Watson.

Glad it's over. Now -on to the season.

Time to start a Brissett thread - for good or ill.

Yep.

I was over it when we got Watson.

Glad it's over. Now -on to the season.

Time to start a Brissett thread - for good or ill.

Yeah, they're stuck with a QB who made the playoffs the last season he was healthy and paid peanuts for him. Sad isn't it?

they paid peanuts for a former #1 overall pick. i'm not sure there's a great track record of #1 drafted QBs with little success with their first team, being more successful with their new team.

since 99:

Tim Couch
Michael Vick
David Carr
Carson Palmer
Eli Manning
Alex Smith
Jamarcus Russell
Sam Bradford
Cam Newton
Andrew Luck
Jameis Winston
Jared Goff
Baker Mayfield
Kyler Murray
Joe Burrow
Trevor Lawrence

not exactly a top tier list of #1 overall QBs with great careers, especially when accounting for the QB's who moved teams.

I do wish him well but I am glad that this drama is over.

I might talk my son into making a road trip north to place a bet for me. This is the type of situation that brings out his best.

I don't know, but the $10.5 million is a real thing. We basically paid to get him off the team.

I don't know, but the $10.5 million is a real thing. We basically paid to get him off the team.

Good luck Baker. You gave it your all In Cleveland. You embrased the fans and the city. I'm sorry that it didn't work out for you or the Cleveland fans. I wish you the best of luck in the future. You deserve it bud.

5th is lowest. It can escalate to a 4th conditionally.

Apparently it's 2024 draft though.

I was hoping for a conditional 3rd in 2023. Oh well.

I don't know, but the $10.5 million is a real thing. We basically paid to get him off the team.

I read Baker accepted 3.5 mill less this year. Panthers sold it as a chance to show what he could do. Also saw the pick was a conditional 4th, so maybe 4 is best, 5th worst case scenario.

I haven't seen or heard anything about a conditional 4th rounder.

How many INTs will Baker throw week 1...2,3 or 4.

0

Your tweet is as comical as it gets.

Everyone has a brighter future than the browns. Happy about your future with a qb likely suspended for the year, with his despicable behavior? You are sad.

If the browns do somehow eventually win with DW it will be with a disgusting stain. Glad you’ll be able stomach it.

So you expect Darnold to beat him out?!

Somehow, those who attack long-time Browns fans have no problem w/this guy's continued insults directed towards our team and fans.

[quote=FrankZ]I'm surprised the compensation is so low. For reals.... a conditional 2024 pick??

Your tweet is as comical as it gets.

Everyone has a brighter future than the browns. Happy about your future with a qb likely suspended for the year, with his despicable behavior? You are sad.

If the browns do somehow eventually win with DW it will be with a disgusting stain. Glad you’ll be able stomach it.

He isn't under pressure to carry the offense
Now he is playing for a coach that is in a win now mode
If Carolina can have success on the ground
Then Mayfield can thrive
But Mayfield can't carry the offense

I’d rather go down in flames with baker...

Have at it.

The Panthers have a message board. Those poor, poor people have no idea what is about to happen on their boards. I feel sad for them, but it's kind of funny at the same time.

The Panthers have a message board. Those poor, poor people have no idea what is about to happen on their boards. I feel sad for them, but it's kind of funny at the same time.

The company I work for is headquartered in Raleigh/Durham so there are a lot of Panther fans there. I have spoken to a few today. The response has been "meh." Happy they gave up little, not expecting much.

The company I work for is headquartered in Raleigh/Durham so there are a lot of Panther fans there. I have spoken to a few today. The response has been "meh." Happy they gave up little, not expecting much.

so is baker gonna beat Darnold in camp to start week 1 coming off of shoulder surgery?

Baker just doesn't move the needle or ignite a fanbase in 2022 .It's like "ok let's hope for the best "
But nobody hurrying to Buy Mayfield Panther jerseys at the team shop

Yes. No matter your opinion of BM - Darnold is worse imo.

My opinion - but Darnold would never have had the same success Baker had with KS 2020. Darnold hasn't had a great opportunity to succeed - but the Browns were 1-31 when Baker started. It's not like we were a good team - they looked PUTRID with Tyrod as the starter, and the change was instant. Panthers are flat bad - on the one hand maybe Baker will have a chip on his shoulder and surprise, but the Panthers (I believe) were ranked as one of the bottom 3 teams in the NFL on more than one Power ranking, Rhule looks bad and clueless and I expect it to be a crap fest.

I guess I'm not a good Browns fan cause I hope Baker kicks our ass game one, Same ol Browns. Guess this is another throw away year. I might give away my tickets and go to the massage palor with DW.

is he? to be fair to Darnold, he has not played with a talented combination of o-line and weapons that Baker has.

That ain't the browns o-line he's being protected by.

and on the flip side, what would Darnold have looked like with stefanski for 2 years with the same talent that baker had? does he still suck? the same? ....better than? hm...

Your opinion is good. I agree, Baker is way better than Darnold.

Yeah it’s baker that sucks, along with the 25 browns qbs that sucked before him…or maybe it’s the organization that sucks. I feel fully confident Josh Allen would be in the dumpster now if he had went to Cleveland. And be accurate as well, the oline was beat up all year and they did not have any receiver close to a pro bowl level.

Anyways, the browns at least used to be lovable losers, now they are unlovable, moral-less, sell out losers.

I guess I'm not a good Browns fan cause I hope Baker kicks our ass game one, Same ol Browns. Guess this is another throw away year. I might give away my tickets and go to the massage palor with DW.

so does carolina have a similar roster on offense that compares to what baker had here?

if we suck, then that means he's about to kill it at carolina, right? he gonna split with Brady or sweep him this season?

So... the Cleveland Browns basically bet $700,000 that they could still beat the Panthers with Baker.

Savage

peen, Baker Dawg was never a Browns fan. He only came here because we drafted Baker. He is just bitter.

Baker Mayfield trade to Panthers creates awkward scenario with WR Robbie Anderson, OC Ben McAdoo over past comments: ‘Short and with small hands’

Zac Al-Khateeb
2 hours ago
•
4 min read



The former Browns quarterback not only accepted a roughly $3.5 million pay cut from his 2022 base salary just to get out of Cleveland, but also must engage in awkward meetings with Panthers receiver Robbie Anderson and offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo.

Both Anderson and McAdoo have made less-than-flattering comments about the No. 1 overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. Now, their personal success in 2022 may hinge on someone who has good reason to feel slighted by what they said about him.

Let's start with McAdoo, who made his initial comments about Mayfield ahead of the 2018 draft, when he was still head coach of the Giants. In speaking to the New York Post, McAdoo characterized Mayfield as short, small-handed and not a "great athlete."

MORE: Baker Mayfield trade grades: Browns, Panthers both deserve an 'F' for mutually unhelpful deal

"He’s got an edge to him, I like that. He’s gonna lead, they’re gonna follow him,’" McAdoo told the New York Post. "I didn’t see a lot of pro-style football in his college tape. And if you’re short you have to be able to make up for it some way, somehow, and personality doesn’t do that.


I didn’t think he was a great athlete. This guy is kinda like a pocket quarterback that is short and with small hands, that’s what I worry about.

Moreover, McAdoo considered Mayfield the sixth-best quarterback of the draft behind Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Sam Darnold — who will compete with Mayfield for the Panthers' starting QB position — Josh Rosen and Mason Rudolph.

Give credit where it's due, McAdoo was certainly right inasmuch Allen and Jackson are concerned. Darnold has not played particularly well since going No. 3 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, either with the Jets or Panthers, though that could perhaps be attributable to poor roster situations, at large. Suggesting Rosen and Rudolph were better than Mayfield was laughable, even without the gift of hindsight.



McAdoo's not the only one due for an awkward conversation with Mayfield, though. Anderson, who in 2021 was second on the Panthers in receiving yards (514) and first in receiving touchdowns (five) had this to say to an April report connecting Mayfield to Carolina:

'Nooooo.'

Anderson doubled down, commenting "Facts" to a follow-up Instagram post saying he didn't want Mayfield in Carolina. Anderson on Wednesday responded to those comments, clarifying that he was merely supporting the quarterback currently on his roster, Darnold, who has drawn good reviews throughout spring practices.


Regardless, Mayfield, Anderson and McAdoo all have to move past any potential awkward phases well in advance of the 2022 season. Their success this year could depend on it.


https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl...wkward-comments/o4optvy79fxcdjd2w2vh0rko

I agree w/you and Cap. However, I was referring more to just how freaking brutal Baker's fans can be. The Panthers were named "Carolina" because it was supposed to be a shared team between Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC. The two cities are less than an hour and a half apart. The Panther fans down here [I live in Columbia] are not as rabid as Brown's fans. The fans that frequent their message board are going to be shocked and appalled once the Baker fans start tearing into the team, organization, and fan base.

The Browns have a better roster than Carolina does. All that talk about how bad our coaching and roster was is about to get thrown out w/the trash.

Sure and you stopped being a browns fan and ran off when baker was qb, just your typical hypocrisy. I can start and stop being a fan whenever I like.

Oh and I’m not bitter about baker being traded, thank God he is free of this curse. I am bitter he had to pass through the hell hole that is the browns though.

Ready for week one.

I wasn’t a fan of drafting him. That said his play won me over enough to let it ride for another season. He had a couple of stretches of play that we haven’t seen on this team, short of DA’s big season, in decades. Big, explosive plays. High scoring affairs. Etc. I did have doubts about his ability to win when it mattered. But again was willing to give him another season to play it out.
That said, here we are.

I can’t say that I ever really watched a Carolina game with any interest. This season I can see flipping to the Carolina games during commercials to check in on him. I wish him well.

Onward.
Go Browns!!

I didn't say this! Don't you put that evil on me!

Just read that Baker and Darnold rank 1+2 for most INT's since 2018. Carolina has 2 TO machines at the QB spot. Good luck!!

I might talk my son into making a road trip north to place a bet for me. This is the type of situation that brings out his best.

My post had nothing to do with DW. It was an observation on how many INT's have been thrown by 2 QB's on Carolinas roster. Their 2 top Qb's..

Guess what Deshaun is number one in? Hope you are happy in your filth.

So the Browns will pay $56M+ for quarterbacks right now ($46 for DW + $10 for Baker) that will NOT play for them this season?? I know that DW's salary is mostly a signing bonus this year but still, seems crazy to me. I hope our D can stop him in game 1, otherwise we will be the laughingstock of the league for the rest of the season.

Jimmy Haslam won't hang on to Watson for 3 full years.
What will likely happen is.
( see Browns recent history.)

j/c

I really hate the way this story ended.

Before I heard all the backstory, I wanted to see #6 play out his contract and renegotiate/vacate. A normal, rational progression. As more details trickled out, a familiar feeling started to settle in. It's that nagging sense that the water supply needs to be tested. Or maybe 76 Groza was built on some ancient pre-American burial site. Because for me, this looks suspiciously similar to all the other predictable ACME anvils that have dropped on every Browns FO since The Return. No regime has ever lasted more than three years.

I'm gonna zoom out a bit to talk about something I haven't mentioned. The way our FO has looked during this entire saga. I was just starting to get used to the idea that CLE fans could have a FO that didn't look like the clown car cavalcade we've been tortured by for 20+ years. And yes- they have been a damn sight better than any brain trust we've previously has. Strong bonds/unanimity of mission, good personnel, strong coaching, better roster- yup, a LOT better. But daaaaamn, Cleveland. This one was really noteworthy... and it comes too soon after The Epoch of Dysfunction.

You did this right at the last minute before I could allow myself to start breathing again. Damn you.

Given your track record for staff/coaching hires, trades/drafts/roster building, etc... I'm swallowing hard, and giving you this one.
But dudes- it's a big one.

You handled this in a way that everyone else in the league and SportsNets expect/want to see CLE handle things: they love the cheap, lazy jokes. Cleveland faceplants are porn for them. I'm hoping that this is a one & done for this admin (because of the novelty of acquiring a top-5 QB via offseason trade)... because y'all burned a lot of my fan capital with this one.

I was just starting to trust you guys.
And then, you turn around an do uglyazz, awkward Cleveburg-lookin' s# like this. Yet again.


PLEASE LET THIS BE THE LAST OFFSEASON EXISTENTIAL DRAMA I NEED TO ENDURE FOR AT LEAST 2-5 MORE YEARS. PLEASE ALLOW ME TO START TRUSTING YOU AGAIN.


Sincerely,
A Browns Fan With Battered-Dawg Syndrome... and 2 new nervous ticks

Browns Twitter is crazy today. I didn't know there were so many lifelong Browns fans that would follow a QB to Carolina. I remember rooting for Kosar when he was cut and ended up in Dallas, then Miami. However, I never stopped following the Browns.

Browns Twitter is crazy today. I didn't know there were so many lifelong Browns fans that would follow a QB to Carolina. I remember rooting for Kosar when he was cut and ended up in Dallas, then Miami. However, I never stopped following the Browns.

peen, Baker Dawg was never a Browns fan. He only came here because we drafted Baker. He is just bitter.

j/c...

is he? to be fair to Darnold, he has not played with a talented combination of o-line and weapons that Baker has.

That ain't the browns o-line he's being protected by.

and on the flip side, what would Darnold have looked like with stefanski for 2 years with the same talent that baker had? does he still suck? the same? ....better than? hm...

I just thought of something and it's bugging me. They'll be no more Progressive commercials!! Oh My!!! Well, maybe when DW starts playing they can use him. That should be a good public relations move for all parties!

That's one of the rare things we are about to see. 2 first round top 10 QB from the same draft class, playing with essentially the same roster, and getting to compare the closest thing to apples to apples as you get in the NFL.

If I were our coaching staff, I'd start giving Jacoby a lot of practice reps. You know what they say, practice makes perfect!!!!!

31. CAROLINA PANTHERS (No Change)

LT Cam Erving | 56.0
LG Michael Jordan | 50.8
C Matt Paradis | 66.9
RG John Miller | 52.1
RT Taylor Moton | 77.8

Carolina’s offensive line was always going to become an issue given the players they prioritized to acquire in the offseason. Taylor Moton earned a 77.8 PFF grade and was one of the better right tackles in the NFL, but he was the only one of 11 linemen to end with a grade above 67.0. John Miller and Michael Jordan, who played just 21 games combined, allowed 13 sacks from their guard spots, and three different linemen earned PFF pass-blocking grades lower than 40.0. This offensive line performance was a true case of reaping what you sow.

I expect that like the torn up shoulder, this will be summarily dismissed by mid-season. Cam Erving at LT? Wow. Anyway...
===================================================================================

Browns juju suggests that Baker plays well in 2022...for 2023 he signs as a FA with a team other than Carolina...Carolina gets a 2024 3rd Rd Compensatory pick and gives us their 2024 4th Rd pick. Perfect.

The Browns will pay over $15MM for the combo of Brissett/Mayfield to man/not-man the QB spot for 2023 not to mention whatever they are flushing for DW. Cap space or not...that is poor management of the cap.

I don't think this QB situation could have been handled any worse if that was the goal from the start.

24. CAROLINA PANTHERS

Projected Starting Lineup
LT: Ikem Ekwonu
LG: Brady Christensen
C: Bradley Bozeman
RG: Austin Corbett
RT: Taylor Moton

This is a conservative estimate for what was one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL last season — but it's one that is now bursting with potential after multiple offseason moves. Taylor Moton has played more than 1,000 snaps and earned a 76.0-plus PFF grade in four straight seasons. That’s Carolina's building block, and the team added a couple of free agents on the interior to raise the unit's floor. The offensive line's ultimate performance will obviously depend a lot on how quickly rookie Ikem Ekwonu can adjust to pass protecting at the NFL level after he earned only a 78.3 pass-blocking grade last season for N.C. State.

For four years, you have criticized our OL in order to defend Baker. Well, you got your wish and Baker gets to play w/a much better supporting cast. LMAO

Browns juju suggests that Baker plays well in 2022...for 2023 he signs as a FA with a team other than Carolina...Carolina gets a 2024 3rd Rd Compensatory pick and gives us their 2024 4th Rd pick. Perfect.

The Browns will pay over $15MM for the combo of Brissett/Mayfield to man/not-man the QB spot for 2023 not to mention whatever they are flushing for DW. Cap space or not...that is poor management of the cap.

I don't think this QB situation could have been handled any worse if that was the goal from the start.

I will still and maintain - 10 games or more makes this a bad trade.

I think the Browns came to the realization that they were never going to win it all w/Baker and that they needed an elite qb. The question is how to get one? The only reason we even had a chance at obtaining Watson was due to his off-field issues. So, even if he is suspended for the entire year, the Browns have an elite qb for probably at least a decade. In my mind, that makes it a great trade and not a bad trade. Let's not forget that Watson is actually about a half year younger than Baker.

You probably are already aware of this and just trying to deceive others like you normally do, but the Panthers have brought in new offensive linemen.

24. CAROLINA PANTHERS

Projected Starting Lineup
LT: Ikem Ekwonu
LG: Brady Christensen
C: Bradley Bozeman
RG: Austin Corbett
RT: Taylor Moton

This is a conservative estimate for what was one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL last season — but it's one that is now bursting with potential after multiple offseason moves. Taylor Moton has played more than 1,000 snaps and earned a 76.0-plus PFF grade in four straight seasons. That’s Carolina's building block, and the team added a couple of free agents on the interior to raise the unit's floor. The offensive line's ultimate performance will obviously depend a lot on how quickly rookie Ikem Ekwonu can adjust to pass protecting at the NFL level after he earned only a 78.3 pass-blocking grade last season for N.C. State.

For four years, you have criticized our OL in order to defend Baker...

...Well, you got your wish and Baker gets to play w/a much better supporting cast. LMAO

Seriously... when Kosar was cut I hoped he did well but I really didn't care... I'm a browns fan...

same for Baker.. hope he does well but at this point I really don't care... he's not a Brown any more.. . I'm a Browns fan... I won't watch any more Carolina games than I would have before he was part of their team

I would expect Mayfield to be in another city in 2023.

The Panthers have a message board. Those poor, poor people have no idea what is about to happen on their boards. I feel sad for them, but it's kind of funny at the same time.

Good trade. Looks like everybody wins.

j/c:

I expect for Baker to be with the panthers for at least several 3+ years at minimum.

Don't understand the you....the ONLY person to hose Cleveland was Baker....he demanded a trade BEFORE we got Watson....he didn't want the competition....JMHO, this was HIS team in his mind. NFL stands for NOT FOR LONG...there is competition for every spot on roster unless you're Rogers, Brady, etc.....due to HIS play, Baker never got there.....BOO HOO, he's only making how many millions this season.....thanks for your effort, Baker....but don't let the door hit you butt as you go.

Browns Twitter is crazy today. I didn't know there were so many lifelong Browns fans that would follow a QB to Carolina. I remember rooting for Kosar when he was cut and ended up in Dallas, then Miami. However, I never stopped following the Browns.

Spin, spin, spin. It's your MO.

I'm not trying to comment on how you feel about the whole thing, but I do disagree with your approach.

IIRC, 10+ game suspension means his contract doesn't count against our cap (negligible impact as it's tiny), and doesn't toll a year (huge impact). IMO, the impact of his upcoming suspension gets worse as the length grows, but only to that point. After that, length of suspension is whatever unless they want to go longer than a full season.

And as for judging the whole deal based on the first year, IMO that's not the right approach either. Not the same level, but Hunt came here under similar circumstances. Also... not to say Watson is going to follow the same arc as Hunt, but there's nothing there to say he won't, either. It's a 5-year contract that very easily could be put on ice until ALL this drama is finally and officially over.

I don't think our OL has been a failure at all. Then again, I root for the team and not an individual player.

I am surprised you interpreted the exchange the way you did.

Just take a look at #1. He completely misinterpreted my point about their OL. Not going to go through the entire thing because neither of you are interested in the truth. It's more of the same crap that you guys spew about Baker on a daily basis.

For me 10 games means this season is blown. I'd rather have kept the picks, rolled with Baker and the talent we have + a #13 from this year and a different elite FA this year.

.... the idea that my opinion of Watson's moral issues and allegations is influenced by Baker, what I believe to be a realistic punishment, is simply a fabrication/lie.

I'm not trying to comment on how you feel about the whole thing, but I do disagree with your approach.

IIRC, 10+ game suspension means his contract doesn't count against our cap (negligible impact as it's tiny), and doesn't toll a year (huge impact).

Accrued seasons: Used to determine a player's free agency status (unrestricted, restricted, exclusive rights). In order to accrue a season, a player must have been on (or should have been on*) full-play status for at least six regular-season games in a given season.Mar 12, 2021

https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-free-agency-glossary-all-the-terms-you-need-to-know

I did feel that Baker would've (eventually) been able to get it done.

Do you really believe the idea being floated around that the Browns had no leverage?

Spin, spin, spin. It's your MO.

You are far more objective than most of the other Baker fans who post a lot. So, I want to ask you in particular a few questions.

Do you really believe that if the NFL believed in Baker that no team would have been willing to give up more than what Carolina gave up? Do you really believe the idea being floated around that the Browns had no leverage? You don't believe that a team would have pursued him w/more gusto if they really thought he could get it done?

More from the Jason Lloyd article....

The comment ESPN reported that the Browns wanted an “adult in the room” at quarterback is an awful look for the franchise given Watson’s current predicament, but it isn’t entirely untrue.

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

Clearly a manufactured lie being told by a board member who hates Baker.

so is matt rhule gonna be the problem if mayfield doesn't make it in carolina?

It might be the offensive line. Or the receivers. Or special teams. Or the defense. Or the play-calling. Or the running game.

Zero leverage

I think there was tension between the two. Baker called out Stefanski after the Baltimore and Pittsburgh games. I also think that Baker blaming the injury for his play wore on those who knew what the doctors were saying about the injury. To this day, people are blaming Stefanski for playing Baker. The drama gets old after awhile.

Browns' Baker Mayfield era with final verdict on QB: Too short, too slow, too cocky | Opinion
Marla Ridenour
Akron Beacon Journal






Quarterback Baker Mayfield proved to be exactly what we thought he was going into the 2018 NFL draft.

Too short, too slow and too cocky.

As the Mayfield era in Cleveland closed with the Browns trading him to the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, the No. 1 overall pick leaves a legacy of inconsistency.

Every day with Mayfield was a rollercoaster ride. He overcame his flaws as a rookie and in the second half of the 2020 season. He pulled the franchise from the abyss of 1-31, which included the 0-16 debacle that set up former general manager John Dorsey to select the Heisman Trophy winner from Oklahoma.

In 2020, the Mayfield-led Browns made their first playoff appearance since 2002 and recorded their first postseason victory since Jan. 1, 1995.


The case against Baker Mayfield
But 1½ good seasons out of four does not a franchise quarterback make. There were too many potential game-winning drives in the fourth quarter botched, too many uncatchable passes, too few victories with so much talent around him.

Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam opted for a dramatic upgrade in a controversial trade for the Houston Texans’ Deshaun Watson on March 18 despite 22 civil lawsuits pending against the quarterback for alleged sexual misconduct during massage appointments. That number reached 24, though 20 have since been settled.


Mayfield went 30-31 (including playoffs) with the Browns. Watson, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, was 28-25 with the Texans with a less-talented supporting cast.

The league caught up with Mayfield in 2021, when he tried to play through a completely torn labrum in his left shoulder suffered in Week 2. At a diminished physical capacity because of multiple injuries, Mayfield struggled. Many of his passes sailed high, and his receivers and tight ends weren’t willing to put their bodies in harm’s way to go up and get them.


Entering the draft, Mayfield measured 6-foot- ⅝, and that proved crucial when he didn’t have the athleticism to run away from defenders at the next level.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry found out that Mayfield was not Drew Brees, a 13-time Pro Bowler for the San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints despite his 6-foot stature. Mayfield was not the athletic equal of 5-foot-11 Russell Wilson, who relied on escapability to post a 104-53-1 record as a Seattle Seahawks starter before he was traded to the Denver Broncos in March. A third-round pick, Wilson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.55 seconds at the 2012 NFL combine; Mayfield posted a 4.84.


Baker Mayfield's contract limited his trade market
But Mayfield’s physical limitations weren’t the only reason he became the quarterback virtually no one wanted, just like most of the 29 other starters who preceded him in Cleveland.

That was largely due to Mayfield’s $18.858 million guaranteed salary in 2022. In the trade to Carolina, which is pending a physical, the Browns agreed to pay about $10.5 million of that and received a conditional fifth-round draft pick in 2024.

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But the salary wasn't the only hurdle in finding a trade partner. Mayfield’s lack of leadership, his off-putting swagger and cockiness that so intrigued Dorsey did not play well in the Browns’ locker room.

Going into the 2018 draft, the biggest questions about Mayfield concerned his maturity. His time at Oklahoma included an arrest on charges of public intoxication, disorderly conduct and fleeing, his flag-planting at Ohio State and a crotch-grabbing incident at Kansas.


Dorsey cast those aside, gambling that Mayfield would grow up.

We’re still waiting.

After last season, Browns players spoke out, saying their unity and brotherhood were not tight enough.

“I think the leaders on this team separated the offense and defense — not in a bad way, but defense worry about the defense, offense worry about the offense. Maybe moving forward we’ve got to try to kinda mesh a little bit more together,” safety John Johnson III said.

Rookie linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah said the atmosphere was not nearly as close as it had been at Notre Dame.

“That’s something that I would really like to see is just this team to be a team and the brotherhood to be a brotherhood, just the unit to be a unit,” Owusu-Koramoah said in January.

The quarterback sets the tone and lays the groundwork for that bond, even if others have a strong voice.

The report from ESPN's Chris Mortensen that the Browns want "what they consider an adult" at quarterback was telling, even though Jimmy Haslam denied the remark came from ownership.

Some teammates may have held the broken relationship with receiver Odell Beckham Jr. against Mayfield, as three-time Pro Bowler Beckham forced his way out of Cleveland in early November. That may have been a bigger factor than Mayfield’s poor performance as the defense played its best in the final seven games.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) stands during an NFL football practice in Berea, Ohio, Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.
Mayfield, seeking a new team after the Watson trade and the signings of quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Josh Dobbs, did himself no favors in terms of convincing potential employers he could be a team-building leader with his comments on the “Ya Neva Know: You Know What I Mean?” podcast.

“It’s a huge battle within the locker room in my position being a quarterback,” Mayfield said on the podcast. “Some of these guys don’t play the game because they love it, they’re playing it to get a retirement fund. They’re making tons of a million dollars and they don’t care about winning.


“How can I get the best out of people that are making a s--- ton of money? I could always motivate people when we weren’t making money. That was easy. I can get in their face; I can do all that … You’re trying to get to that level.”

It turned out that there was a shelf life when Dorsey spoke of Mayfield being a “Pied Piper” whom his Oklahoma teammates followed. Mayfield’s crotch-grabbing, flag-planting braggadocio fell flat with Browns, despite the backing he received from some of them publicly.

Beckham fleeing to the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams and the silence of his close friend and fellow Browns receiver Jarvis Landry afterward likely painted a more accurate picture.

Considering what is expected of a quarterback selected first overall, Mayfield was a major disappointment. Such picks are supposed to be the cornerstone of the franchise for a decade or more, one who puts his team in playoff contention every season. If we hadn't seen the likes of Johnny Manziel, Mayfield might be considered a bust, but ending a 17-year playoff drought takes that label out of the equation.

But in terms of the talent surrounding Mayfield, he was supported like none of the 29 others who preceded him. One of the league’s best offensive lines. The best one-two running back tandem in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Pro Bowl receivers in Beckham and Landry. A leader for the defense in three-time Pro Bowl end Myles Garrett. A shutdown cornerback in two-time Pro Bowler Denzel Ward, the fourth overall pick in 2018 recently rewarded with the kind of contract extension Mayfield failed to earn.


Four coaches (including interim Gregg Williams) in four years didn’t help Mayfield, but that excuse can’t cover the flaws in his game and in his locker room persona.

How Mayfield fares going forward will be fascinating. Apparently, the Haslams and Berry have no fear that the Browns will be squaring off against him in a Super Bowl. The two teams will meet in the season opener in Carolina on Sept. 11.

Mayfield may turn out to be Andy Dalton, a decent quarterback who can take a team to the playoffs, but not elite enough to win the Lombardi Trophy. There’s also the possibility that Mayfield is just another NFL backup like many who have lined up under center for the Browns.

It’s not a bad life, as Derek Anderson and Colt McCoy would attest. For Mayfield, acceptance of that will require some growth — personally, not physically.


https://www.usatoday.com/story/spor...and-browns-carolina-panthers/7823382001/

See - this is just hating on other posters who objectively look at the team and how each position impacts other positions. It's entirely feasible and historically what has happened - Baker can play badly, and his play can be impacted by other positions. Baker has also played well and been helped by the play calling and running game etc. . . . What Baker has never had - is a guy like J Chase to simply toss the ball up in the air in the generally vicinity of and have Chase pull it in.

Baker will go to Carolina and have to win the job.. BTW.. he will have to beat Darnold who has been in that offense for atleast a year.. so Baker probably wont start either.

I have an enormous wager to make with anyone who wants to bet - assuming both are healthy - that Baker starts week 1 vs the Browns. Darnold is not very good. You might agree with the hatchet job article - but BM is > than SD.

I wouldnt make a huge bet but I would make that bet... not that I think SD > BM but BM is way behind learning the offense and all that comes with that. BM would only have from now to read up, then get into camp and understand the terminology, reads, audibles, protections..etc.. and NOT know his WRs at all. Safe money says SD starts but BM replaces him at some point.

I wouldnt make a huge bet but I would make that bet... not that I think SD > BM but BM is way behind learning the offense and all that comes with that. BM would only have from now to read up, then get into camp and understand the terminology, reads, audibles, protections..etc.. and NOT know his WRs at all. Safe money says SD starts but BM replaces him at some point.

In Week 1, the Browns will be paying Baker $589k to try to beat the Browns.

Week 1 will be fun.

j/c:

A couple of comments on some of the recent posts.

--I think Baker beats Darnold out and is the week one starter.

--I don't think Carolina is as bad as some say. Their OL was terrible last year. They brought new guys in, but they are probably still in the bottom third of the league. If healthy, McCaffrey is an elite RB who can also catch the ball. Hubbard is also a quality back. Their WRs are good. Moore has had 3 straight 1,000 yard seasons. They have a top 10 defense. Last year, poor qb held them back along w/an injury to McCaffrey and a poor OL. Yesterday, Dan Orlovsky was predicting they make the playoffs if Baker plays like he did in 2020.

--I knida feel sorry for the Panthers because I know how bad Baker fans can be and they are about to get a dose of hate they have never seen before.

In Week 1, the Browns will be paying Baker $589k to try to beat the Browns.

I’ve read reports where Baker has close to a photographic memory. If he gets the playbook as soon as he passes a physical, he will probably k is it better than Darnold before training camp since Darnold has been known to struggle with complicated offenses.

Also, going into camp, Baker actually knows one receiver a lot better than Darnold. Don’t be surprised if there is a little controversy when Hollywood Higgins is having a better preseason than Robbie Anderson.

IF McCaffery is healthy, this Panthers team will surprise in the NFC. I wouldn’t be shocked at all if they make the playoffs.

Also, Baker will be paying the Panthers about 200k to play against the Browns.

j/c:

A couple of comments on some of the recent posts.

--I think Baker beats Darnold out and is the week one starter.

--I don't think Carolina is as bad as some say. Their OL was terrible last year. They brought new guys in, but they are probably still in the bottom third of the league. If healthy, McCaffrey is an elite RB who can also catch the ball. Hubbard is also a quality back. Their WRs are good. Moore has had 3 straight 1,000 yard seasons. They have a top 10 defense. Last year, poor qb held them back along w/an injury to McCaffrey and a poor OL. Yesterday, Dan Orlovsky was predicting they make the playoffs if Baker plays like he did in 2020.

--I knida feel sorry for the Panthers because I know how bad Baker fans can be and they are about to get a dose of hate they have never seen before.

j/c:



Here is one Carolina sports talk show host (Nick Wilson) discussing the impact of Mayfield on the Panthers. Still thinks their OL is trash.

Side note: Nick Wilson is coming back to Cleveland on 92.3 The fan in the afternoon w/ Dustin Fox here in a couple of weeks.

Burrow can take a hit and still Have perfect ball placement count on his WR to bail him out by running under it like they did all season long.

Chase > Burrow.

Hunt was suspended, apologized, cut by the Chiefs and sought counseling before anyone backed off of him. He also took a huge pay cut to get back on the field.

Often times when one owns up to what they've done, seeks help for it and pays a financial price for it people can move on.

In watson's case we have denial, a financial reward and so far nothing that shows he's seeking help "for this issue". Get back to me when the two are comparable. As of now they're pretty much the polar opposite of each other.

Once again we see victim shaming as an excuse. Sad, just sad....

If you don't feel the NFL will take into account that watson faced 24 accusers I think you are mistaken. This isn't a court of law. From what we've been told they heard at least five cases and there are only four remaining lawsuits. So obviously they're hearing more than the four cases. Dismissing their cases based on a settlement agreement is not "retracting their claims". Your semantics don't work.

Funny - if Baker plays like a top 5 QB in the NFL for 9 games like he did in 2020 they make the playoffs? You say that like it's an endorsement of the Panthers. But what it is would be Baker playing at a level that would make the DW trade look like a bad choice.

So you are back to lying and for your narrative about Baker you want to paint Carolina as having a good team? Most don't agree with you even if these aren't all "today" they are post draft or later:

ESPN - 28th ranked roster.
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id...plus-predicting-next-offseason-move-team

SI - 31st
https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/05/11/nfl-power-rankings-after-draft

PFF - 29th
https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-power-rankings-ahead-of-the-2023-season



Maybe your suggestion is the addition of Baker makes them a good roster and a contender?

I was not referring to a court of law or the NFL. You stated he needed to show contrition and admit wrong doing. Why would he if did nothing wrong?

Do the accusers that settled still have a claim against him? If not they have been retracted. They are removed. They are nonexistent now. They are void. They are renounced. They are recanted. They are null.

Pick whichever statement makes your feelz all better but the accusations are no more from them, and Watson did not admit to any wrong doing in the settled cases.

You have tried and convicted him in your own reality, and have continued to try and foist that reality on those of us that are waiting to see how it all plays out. You have incessantly beat a drum that he is guilty merely because he is a male and there are a nonnull set of women that accuse him.

Jason Lloyd loves Baker as much as you do. He's written lots about him - never a kind word even when he played well. I believe anyone who reads the Athletic will vouch for that.

As it pertains to his punishment, every case, or woman that either side wants to present as a witness or evidence can be used, including the 20 settled cases. They don’t disappear, there is record of filing and record for dismissal per agreement. They aren’t any of the words you chose above.

No doubt many will agree with your take - I know many definitely agree with my take also.

If not they have been retracted. They are removed.

They are nonexistent now. They are void.

They are recanted.

Pick whichever statement makes your feelz all better but the accusations are no more from them

You have incessantly beat a drum that he is guilty merely because he is a male and there are a nonnull set of women that accuse him.

Settled is not removed.


They are still a part of the record. The testimony in those cases still exist.


Nothing was recanted.


So the fact that the lawsuits were settled means they no longer claim he did what they accused him of?


Just because I'm not ignorant enough to do the mental gymnastics it would take to think that a lawyer and 24 women cooked up some kind of conspiracy theory and plot against one man, don't blame me. And if you want to pretend there's no evidence indicating he is at least guilty in some of these accusations, that's a you problem.

So what, exactly, do you think Watson should apologize for in lawsuits that are settled? SHould he apologize for raping women and being a predator? SHould he apologize for not buying them some gum?

The settled lawsuits are done. He has nothing to apologize for there. Period.

The NFL will do what the NFL will do with the idea he settled them, it does not change the fact that they are settled and the accusers have removed the accusations, that's what settlements do. They stop accusing, he claims no liability. The accusations in those suits are null and void. All that is left is some settlement contract and a bank draft receipt.

We are desperate browns fans that will cheer for even the most deviant human beings for a win.

Carolinas oline is similar to the Bengals oline from 2021.
One solid OT and 4 very average guards tackle center
Yet Cincy went to the Super Bowl with a oline that helped surrender
50 sacks on Burrow
But Mayfield isn't Burrow. Burrow can take a hit and still
Have perfect ball placement.
If Mayfield gets pressured he runs into sacks, or sails the ball
Over the targets
Ruhl has his work cut out in trying to keep Baker poised
When everything around is off schedule

Ah, in a legal sense. In a legal case. In regards to a legal claim. Settling lawsuits also do not make you innocent of the accusations. Settling simply means that watson compensated those making the accusations. The accusations were not dropped other than legal proceedings based on terms of compensation. And that's because watson actually paid compensation to make the litigation go away. The accusations can simply no longer be litigated in court because watson paid to stop that from happening. When did they stop saying he did anything? You seem to be confused between the fact it can no longer be litigated and the women no longer saying he did something to them. Those aren't the same thing. No, these victims didn't recant anything.

Mayfield is not a QB that can get a team to a SB. That's been proven

Ah, in a legal sense. In a legal case. In regards to a legal claim. Settling lawsuits also do not make you innocent of the accusations. Settling simply means that watson compensated those making the accusations. The accusations were not dropped other than legal proceedings based on terms of compensation. And that's because watson actually paid compensation to make the litigation go away. The accusations can simply no longer be litigated in court because watson paid to stop that from happening. When did they stop saying he did anything? You seem to be confused between the fact it can no longer be litigated and the women no longer saying he did something to them. Those aren't the same thing. No, these victims didn't recant anything.

So that would also mean neither does anyone else, correct? And watson paid to settle the allegations against him. Make of that what you will.

He didn't pay them for the sex/accusations. He paid them to go away, as they say.

The litigation was settled. That's all. You seem to try to use the excuse that because there may very well be an NDA that prevents them from discussing the cases that somehow they claim it didn't happen. You do realize that's not the same thing, right?

Rookie year - on a 1-31 team.
2nd year - Freddie Kitchens.
3rd Year - a missed call from going to the Championship Game.
4th Year - injured.

There's a lot to criticize Baker's performances on. Proclaiming the book is written is more than asinine.

bro, one of baker's WR and his OC didn't even want him here.

i really do wonder what that training camp dynamic is gonna look like. Does the panthers get a humbled Baker, or one who's gonna start running his mouth out the gate?

i think Baker is better than Darnold, but Darnold might win the comp simply because the players can't stand Baker and rather die on the hill with Sam.

none of what you wrote helps justify the book being written and closed on BM.

Also, I hope people aren't ignoring the elephant in the room.

Stefanski and his play calling is still a problem. Something needs to be done about that.

I don't think it's a gimme that Baker starts. Do you think he's just going to be handed the starting job?

As part of settling lawsuits the accusers agree to drop the accusations, and waive the right to further legal proceedings. They are not longer pointing their fingers at him. They are no longer saying he did anything. in a legal complaint. They can still think whatever they wish in their own heads, but they aren't going to continue to have a legal complaint against him. Those 20 complaints are settled and gone.

You seem to not understand that, but you think you get to speak for everyone. Next time try speaking only for you.

Rookie year - on a 1-31 team.
2nd year - Freddie Kitchens.
3rd Year - a missed call from going to the Championship Game.
4th Year - injured.

There's a lot to criticize Baker's performances on. Proclaiming the book is written is more than asinine.

J/C
I'm just here waiting for the season to begin!!! i absolutely cannot wait to come back here to watch all the people CRYING after Baker destroys the CLOWNS week 1...
All the while getting paid 10 million by the Clowns to do it.....

An alternative opinion might proceed along these lines. I cannot wait to come back here crying about Baker's supporting cast and that the Panthers need to fire their coach after the Browns sack him a few times and Baker throws a 4th quarter interception that effectively ends the game.

j/c

The Browns Are The Ones Who Look Childish

Monday on 2 Pros and a Cup of Joe, Jonas Knox, Brady Quinn and LaVar Arrington react to the Browns seemingly taking parting shots at Baker Mayfield as Jason Lloyd of the Athletic reports he was "widely viewed as childish and immature" during his time in Cleveland.

Brady Quinn: "I'm on the side of Baker here. If you're gonna call him being immature, it almost seems like whether it's Jimmy Haslam, whoever else is behind it leaking this stuff out, that's more of the immature move here. These two sides have been going their separate ways for a while now, so what's the need for the parting shots? The last thing you want is for him to come back and beat you week one."

Jonas Knox: "What an awful offseason for that team. Just terrible through and through the way they handled all of that. Because where they're at with Baker Mayfield, that's their doing because they let it get out publicly that they were going to go meet with Deshaun Watson."

LaVar Arrington: "You have other owners around the league calling you morons. Relax on parting shots like that. You could do without. Clean up your image, don't make it worse. Take the high road."

https://foxsports1070.iheart.com/fe...gASbAn7R-l2JFhnKj4kZbRvQlc5uWCcQXuxUkWkQ

j/c

The Browns Are The Ones Who Look Childish

Monday on 2 Pros and a Cup of Joe, Jonas Knox, Brady Quinn and LaVar Arrington react to the Browns seemingly taking parting shots at Baker Mayfield as Jason Lloyd of the Athletic reports he was "widely viewed as childish and immature" during his time in Cleveland.

Brady Quinn: "I'm on the side of Baker here. If you're gonna call him being immature, it almost seems like whether it's Jimmy Haslam, whoever else is behind it leaking this stuff out, that's more of the immature move here. These two sides have been going their separate ways for a while now, so what's the need for the parting shots? The last thing you want is for him to come back and beat you week one."

Jonas Knox: "What an awful offseason for that team. Just terrible through and through the way they handled all of that. Because where they're at with Baker Mayfield, that's their doing because they let it get out publicly that they were going to go meet with Deshaun Watson."

LaVar Arrington: "You have other owners around the league calling you morons. Relax on parting shots like that. You could do without. Clean up your image, don't make it worse. Take the high road."

https://foxsports1070.iheart.com/fe...gASbAn7R-l2JFhnKj4kZbRvQlc5uWCcQXuxUkWkQ

Something is seriously wrong with the Browns FO. They just can’t let a week pass by without making a fool of themselves.

Rule number one in every management textbook. Never ever downgrade former employees. Never. Smart people moves on, idiots need to have the last comment.

What is it that the Browns said AFTER the trade? Did the comments from those like Lloyd and Ridenour come because they just talked to the Brown's FO? I doubt it. I think it was something that was known for a long time.

What kills me is how some still can't admit despite all the information out there that proves otherwise is that Baker isn't even close to who you thought he was. There are tons of stats, film study, and character issues that point otherwise. And instead of blaming Baker, some of you blame everyone else.

What is it that the Browns said AFTER the trade? Did the comments from those like Lloyd and Ridenour come because they just talked to the Brown's FO? I doubt it. I think it was something that was known for a long time.

What kills me is how some still can't admit despite all the information out there that proves otherwise is that Baker isn't even close to who you thought he was. There are tons of stats, film study, and character issues that point otherwise. And instead of blaming Baker, some of you blame everyone else.

Imagine calling one self a Browns fan on one hand, and with the other hand hoping for the worst outcome for Watson and this team, because of their twisted loyalty for a mediocre former QB.
It beats all I ever seen.

It really does seem that there are a few here that have such an incessant need to win an argument that they are hoping for the Browns to fail just to say "I told you so".

Imagine calling one self a Browns fan on one hand, and with the other hand hoping for the worst outcome for Watson and this team, because of their twisted loyalty for a mediocre former QB.

It beats all I ever seen.

What is it that the Browns said AFTER the trade? Did the comments from those like Lloyd and Ridenour come because they just talked to the Brown's FO? I doubt it. I think it was something that was known for a long time.

What kills me is how some still can't admit despite all the information out there that proves otherwise is that Baker isn't even close to who you thought he was. There are tons of stats, film study, and character issues that point otherwise. And instead of blaming Baker, some of you blame everyone else.

I will it now as I said it then. I don't think Baker had a consistant work ethic
Baker was not a film room type of guy. Nor was he the kind of guy to stay after
Practice and work with the WRS TES .
Maybe some of the guys on this team felt Mayfield didn't work hard enough
Maybe if he worked on his game as much as worked at playing Halo
He would still be a Brown

Sadly his response which you quoted above is a lie first perpetuated by Vers and now being perpetuated by others. Most of us have a wife, a sister, a daughter or daughters or know females who have been treated in similar ways. All it really has to do with is hoping that a predator gets his just desserts. Downplaying and lying about the motivation of those deeply concerned with the way men have been allowed to get away with the abuse of women is a sad statement from those doing so.

Making excuses why it's okay for the Browns as an organization to act just like Baker is not attractive. But I guess once you've walked off the edge you may as well go all the way with it.

What is out there other than the OBJ's father situation? This is a serious question since you bring it up a lot. What else has he done since joining the Browns.

Are you being serious? Did you happen to miss the comments by Lloyd? By Marla Ridenour? The comment by the Brown's player about not throwing OBJ the ball even in practice? The "adult" comment from someone on the Browns? The calling out of Duke Johnson? Comments from reporters about him being immature and arrogant? The calling out of Stefanski twice last year? The comments about his teammates not wanting to win? Him trashing Hue after the latter was fired? Blaming the changing of coaches? The fans booing him? Feeling disrespected? Saying he would consult his family and agent and then decide whether to play or not while not consulting the Browns? The comments from multiple reporters that teams were leary of him because of how he might or might not be accepted in their locker rooms? Etc, etc.

If you just want to argue.........argue. But please don't act like you haven't read about these things. I don't think Baker was a "disaster" in the locker room, but there were issues. And his skill as a QB were not to overcome them. Aaron Rodgers seems like a jerk, but he is great.

Also, I don't care if you agree w/me. Feel free to choose to ignore all of the above and continue to like Baker. That is fine by me, but I don't want to fight about it. You express your opinions and I will express mine.

Are you being serious? Did you happen to miss the comments by Lloyd? By Marla Ridenour?

The comment by the Brown's player about not throwing OBJ the ball even in practice?

The "adult" comment from someone on the Browns?

The calling out of Duke Johnson?

Comments from reporters about him being immature and arrogant?

The calling out of Stefanski twice last year?

The comments about his teammates not wanting to win?

Him trashing Hue after the latter was fired?

Blaming the changing of coaches?

The fans booing him?

Feeling disrespected?

Saying he would consult his family and agent and then decide whether to play or not while not consulting the Browns?

The comments from multiple reporters that teams were leary of him because of how he might or might not be accepted in their locker rooms? Etc, etc.

I will say that quite a few of the things I posted came right from Baker's big mouth. However, believe as you wish.

I disagree, Baker's juvenile behavior has been in the open for all (who don't have their head in the sand) to see. Not to mention the speculation of who the Atlantic might be quoting is just speculating without a source.

He's 27 years old, tell me you didn't make bone headed decisions at that age. The FO has been around the block more than once, so there is no excuse for taking parting shots like that.

I stand by everything I said and it's obvious to me that you are once again twisting things to protect Baker. This will be my last comment to you during this exchange.

There can be a lot of he-said vs she-said on the Baker/Browns issue, but the fact that his trade value was almost zero is the strongest indicator of who he is as a player and teammate. The idea of the Browns having no leverage is ridiculous. What leverage did the Texans have over teams in the Watson situation?

I am not going to exchange personal attacks w/you.

j/c...

Ski and Baker did not get along Ski pretty much hated him and recently said so.

Oh jeez, cry me a freakin' river.

Is he really saying the team that only agreed to take him on after a whole offseason of back and forth and had him take a pay cut and then have the Browns pay the majority of the rest of his salary, then only hand over a conditional 5th is the team that "wanted him"?

I probably shouldn't make so much out of 1 statement, but that tells me the dude still has a whole heap of growing up to do.

Baker Pudgeyfield needs to instead makin it known
He circled the opening game just put your energies in learning
The playbook and repeating to the football world you have a chip
On your shoulder