Baker Mayfield saga comes to an end as Browns and Panthers reach deal

Cleveland, Ohio - The Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers have agreed a deal that will see former first-overall pick Baker Mayfield move on.

Former first-overall draft pick, Baker Mayfield.
Former first-overall draft pick, Baker Mayfield.  © Rob Carr / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

The Cleveland Browns have finally put an end to the Baker Mayfield saga, as they part ways with the quarterback, who will join Carolina Panthers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The trade will send Mayfield to the Panthers in exchange for a 2024 conditional fifth-round pick. Carolina and Cleveland will split Mayfield's salary this season, and the athlete has agreed to cut out $3.5 million from his season total.

Mayfield's journey with Cleveland began with the No. 1 selection of the 2018 draft. After four years, the 27-year-old only has 59 starts, 14,125 passing yards, and 92 touchdowns to 56 interceptions under his belt in the NFL.

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At Carolina, he will have to battle against Sam Darnold and Matt Corral for the starting position.

Darnold came to the Panthers from the New York Jets in 2021 on a nearly identical rookie deal. The 25-year-old had a poor season, only making 11 starts.

Similarly, Mayfield struggled while playing through multiple injuries last season for the Browns, leading the team to seek other options at quarterback before trading him to the Panthers.

Cover photo: Rob Carr / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

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