Baker Mayfield already had the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ home opener against the Cleveland Browns circled on his calendar.
It’s his first time getting a chance to face his former team as a Buccaneer, and the way things ended for Mayfield in Cleveland left him with a massive chip on his shoulder.
After an offseason-long QB competition against Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, the Browns just named Watson their starting quarterback, giving Mayfield even more motivation in the process.
Deshaun Watson gives Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield even more motivation against the Browns
If you’re unfamiliar with how Mayfield eventually made his way to Tampa Bay, it started when the Browns gave up on him following the 2021 season.
Just a year prior, Mayfield had led the Browns to their first playoff win in 26 years and had the makings of Cleveland’s long-awaited franchise quarterback. But after a disappointing 2021 season, caused in large part by a torn labrum and subsequent fracture in his non-throwing shoulder, the organization was ready to move on.
The Browns felt they had a championship window, and they didn’t view Mayfield as the right quarterback to capitalize on it.
Cleveland traded six draft picks to the Houston Texans for Deshaun Watson and gave him a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract.
Four years later, Watson has played in just 19 games due to injuries, leading the Browns to a 9-10 record in those games. He hasn’t been the dynamic quarterback they expected when they traded for him.
The Browns even drafted two quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, and their struggles to find a franchise quarterback continue.
Meanwhile, Mayfield has found a home as the franchise quarterback in Tampa Bay. He’s led the Bucs to a 27-24 regular-season record, two division titles, and a playoff victory. Since arriving in Tampa Bay in 2023, Mayfield is second in the NFL in touchdown passes and third in passing yards.
It’s safe to say the Browns’ decision to move on from Mayfield hasn’t worked out the way they envisioned.
Now, Mayfield gets to welcome the team that gave up on him to Raymond James Stadium, and go head-to-head with the quarterback they chose over him. He can’t wait for the opportunity.
“First home game. Week 2. Cleveland,” Mayfield said on the 4th And South Podcast. “This is home now, and it’s time to show them which home is better.”
Mayfield has always played his best football with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove. He’s spent the last few seasons making the Browns regret their decision to give up on him, and now he’ll get the chance to show them up close and personal exactly what they’re missing out on.
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