**Bucs’ Baker Mayfield Asked About the Browns QB Situation**
The NFL offseason is always full of intriguing storylines, and one of the most compelling this year revolves around the quarterback carousel. Among the players caught in the middle of these discussions is Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, who was recently asked about his former team, the Cleveland Browns, and their current QB situation. Mayfield, who spent four seasons in Cleveland before being traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2022, has had a rollercoaster career, and his comments about the Browns’ current setup have sparked plenty of conversation.
Mayfield’s time in Cleveland was marked by highs and lows. Drafted first overall in 2018, he was seen as the franchise savior, the player who would finally turn around a struggling organization. His rookie season showed promise, especially after leading the Browns to a 7-8-1 record—their best in over a decade. The 2020 season was his peak in Cleveland, as he helped guide the team to an 11-5 record and a playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, their first postseason win in 26 years. However, injuries and inconsistency in 2021 led to a decline, and the Browns ultimately moved on, acquiring Deshaun Watson in a blockbuster trade.
Now, with Watson’s tenure in Cleveland under scrutiny due to both performance and off-field issues, the Browns’ QB situation is once again a hot topic. When asked about it, Mayfield took the high road, showing maturity and focus on his current team. “I’m a Tampa Bay Buccaneer now,” Mayfield said. “My focus is on helping this team win. Cleveland has their own things to figure out, and that’s not my place to comment on.”
Mayfield’s response reflects the growth he’s shown since leaving Cleveland. After bouncing from the Panthers to the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, he found stability in Tampa Bay last season, leading the Bucs to a playoff berth and proving he can still be a capable starter in the NFL. His ability to move past the drama of his Browns exit and focus on his current role speaks volumes about his professionalism.
Meanwhile, the Browns are facing questions about whether Watson is still their long-term answer at quarterback. After serving an 11-game suspension in 2022 for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, Watson struggled to regain his Pro Bowl form in 2023. Injuries further complicated matters, and while the Browns made the playoffs, Watson’s play was inconsistent. Cleveland has invested heavily in him—both in terms of draft capital and a fully guaranteed $230 million contract—so moving on would be complicated. However, if Watson doesn’t return to elite status this season, the pressure on the organization will only grow.
Some fans have even speculated about a potential reunion with Mayfield, though that seems highly unlikely. The Browns appear committed to Watson, at least for now, and Mayfield has found a home in Tampa Bay. Still, the irony isn’t lost on observers—Mayfield has resurrected his career while the Browns are still searching for stability at the most important position in sports.
Mayfield’s journey has been one of resilience. After being cast aside by Cleveland, he had to fight for opportunities, taking short-term deals and proving himself all over again. His success in Tampa Bay last season—throwing for over 4,000 yards and 28 touchdowns—earned him a new contract and the trust of the Buccaneers’ organization. Now, as he prepares for another season as the starter, he’s focused on building on that success rather than dwelling on the past.
As for the Browns, their QB situation remains one of the league’s biggest question marks. If Watson bounces back, the narrative will shift dramatically. But if he struggles again, the front office will face tough decisions. In the meantime, Mayfield’s ability to move forward serves as a reminder that in the NFL, careers can change in an instant—and sometimes, the best revenge is success elsewhere.
The Buccaneers are hoping Mayfield can build on his 2023 campaign and lead them deep into the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Browns are banking on Watson to finally justify the massive investment they made in him. Two franchises, two quarterbacks, and two very different paths—yet forever linked by the twists and turns of NFL fate.
Mayfield’s story is far from over, and neither is Cleveland’s search for lasting quarterback stability. But for now, Mayfield is content where he is, and the Browns must figure out their own future—one that no longer includes him.
