Browns thank QB Baker Mayfield after trade to Panthers

After months of speculation and rumors following the Cleveland Browns' controversial March trade for star quarterback Deshaun Watson, 2018 first overall draft pick Baker Mayfield finally received a fresh start on Wednesday when it was learned he'd been traded from Cleveland to the Carolina Panthers, where he will likely compete with fellow veteran Sam Darnold for the starting job later this summer. 

Mayfield struggled through the 2021 NFL season that he spent an overwhelming majority of playing through a serious injury to his non-throwing shoulder. As noted by ESPN stats, he ended his final campaign with Cleveland 27th among all eligible quarterbacks with an 83.1 passer rating and a 35.1 total QBR, and he tossed just 17 touchdowns to go along with 13 interceptions. Myles Simmons explained for Pro Football Talk, though, that the 27-year-old also guided the 2020 Browns to the franchise's first playoff appearance since 2002 and its first playoff win since the 1994 season.

Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam thanked their former QB1 in an official statement. 

"We want to thank Baker for all his contributions to the Cleveland Browns," they said. "From the moment he was drafted, he gave his all for this organization and this city. With his fierce competitive spirit, he excited the fanbase and accomplished things that no player at his position had done in Cleveland for a very long time. He also made a difference in the community, whether it was hosting events at the Boys and Girls Club, honoring our troops, supporting the Special Olympics as well as countless other charitable endeavors. We are grateful for everything he did for this organization and wish him and Emily well in the future."

Back in early March, Browns general manager Andrew Berry insisted he expected Mayfield would remain atop his depth chart through the entire offseason. Weeks later, Berry and company acquired Watson from the Houston Texans. 

"Baker Mayfield infused our organization with tenacity and grit during his time as our starting quarterback," Berry said for Wednesday's release. "Baker's competitiveness, toughness and ability to persevere were all characteristics that endeared him to our city as well as his teammates. He will always have a unique place in Browns history for what he accomplished and we wish him well as he continues his career."

Watson may be suspended for part or all of the upcoming season over allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions, but backup Jacoby Brissett has been preparing as if he could start in Week 1 this September since organized team activities.