Baker Mayfield’s journey through the NFL has been anything but typical. Once the savior of a long-suffering Cleveland Browns franchise, he became the victim of the team’s betrayal, which nearly derailed his career. After leading the Browns to their first playoff victory in 26 years and helping end the NFL’s longest postseason drought, Mayfield found himself cast aside. Cleveland’s front office, eager for a “mature” leader, decided to part ways with the young quarterback in favor of bringing in someone they felt could bring stability to the team. In short, they didn’t just trade Baker—they attempted to destroy both his career and his reputation.
Despite the setback, Mayfield refused to give up. In fact, the adversity seemed to fuel his fire. After stints with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams over the next two years, Baker was often relegated to a backup role or scrambling for a starting opportunity. Yet through it all, he maintained his identity, refusing to change who he was—an immensely talented quarterback with an unwavering belief in his abilities.
Now, in 2025, Mayfield has found his home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a period of uncertainty, the Bucs handed him the reins, and Mayfield has made the most of this second chance. Not only has he reclaimed his spot as a starting quarterback, but he’s also thriving in a way that many doubted was possible.
This year, Mayfield has put together a career year, setting personal bests in multiple categories. He’s posted a career-high in touchdown passes, passing yards, yards per attempt, and passer rating. Most importantly, he’s led the Buccaneers to the playoffs, proving that the franchise quarterback that Cleveland so foolishly overlooked is now a key piece to a potential Super Bowl run.
When Cleveland said they wanted an “adult in the room,” they were, ironically, overlooking the very traits that made Mayfield special. His grit, resilience, and fire have always been a part of his DNA, even if they didn’t always fit into the neat, corporate mold Cleveland expected from their leader. Instead of accepting a backseat role or fading into obscurity, Mayfield persevered, showing the world that he could not only handle the ups and downs of an NFL career but also emerge stronger from them.
As for Cleveland? Well, they’re still searching for their next franchise quarterback, while Baker Mayfield continues to thrive in Tampa Bay, showing the league exactly why he was—and still is—the “adult in the room” that the Browns desperately needed.
Baker’s story is one of redemption, resilience, and the power of never losing sight of who you are—even when others doubt you. And now, as he leads the Bucs into the postseason, it’s clear that Baker Mayfield’s best days are still ahead of him.