Introduction
Baker Mayfield has carved one of the most intriguing quarterback paths in modern NFL history. From being the Cleveland Browns’ franchise savior to a journeyman and finally a resurgent star with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mayfield’s career is rich with statistical depth, trade drama, and inspiring resurgence. In this comprehensive article, we break down his Pro Football Reference career stats, explore the trades that changed his trajectory, analyze his game logs, and answer the most common questions about his football journey.
Who Is Baker Mayfield?
Baker Mayfield is an American professional football quarterback currently the starter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Drafted No. 1 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, Mayfield quickly captivated fans with his competitive fire and playmaking ability. His college pedigree at Oklahoma — where he won the Heisman Trophy — foreshadowed an NFL career full of big moments.
Early NFL Career with the Cleveland Browns
Upon joining the Browns in 2018, Mayfield immediately impacted a franchise that had struggled for years. He helped turn around their fortunes and delivered a long-awaited playoff win in 2020. Over four seasons in Cleveland, he played in 60 games and threw for 3,000+ yards in three seasons, showcasing both arm talent and grit.
Statistical Output with Cleveland
Across his first four seasons (2018–2021), Mayfield posted:
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197 total touchdowns, including the early Browns seasons.
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Completed over 63% of his passes.
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Regularly displayed the ability to extend plays with his legs.
Trade to Carolina Panthers
In 2022, Baker Mayfield was traded from the Browns to the Carolina Panthers for a conditional pick. His time with the Panthers was short-lived, as he split the 2022 season between Carolina and the Los Angeles Rams, totaling 12 appearances combined for both teams.
Why the Trade Happened
The Browns pursued superstar quarterback Deshaun Watson, creating roster shifts. Mayfield’s trade marked a dramatic end to his tenure in Cleveland — provoking strong emotions from Mayfield himself, who later criticized his former coach for lack of communication post-trade.
Though the move was controversial, it allowed Mayfield a fresh start and eventual resurgence.
Resurgence in Tampa Bay
Mayfield’s career resurgence began when he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023. Initially a “prove-it” signing, he impressed enough to earn a three-year, $100 million contract and has since become one of the league’s more efficient signal callers.
Career Best Seasons
With Tampa Bay, Mayfield:
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Achieved a career-best 71.4% completion rate in 2024.
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Threw 41 touchdowns in a single season.
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Earned multiple Pro Bowl selections — including his second straight in 2025.
Contract and Team Confidence
The Buccaneers’ front office restructured Mayfield’s deal in 2025 to guarantee a significant portion of his salary through 2026 — signaling long-term confidence in his leadership and performance.
Pro Football Reference Career Stats Overview
Pro Football Reference remains the gold standard for in-depth NFL player stat tracking. According to the latest compiled data, Mayfield’s career (as of end of the 2025 season) includes:
Passing
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Games Played: 123
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Completions: 2,500
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Attempts: 3,938
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Passing Yards: 28,525
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Touchdowns: 197
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Interceptions: 101
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Passer Rating: 91.2
Rushing
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Total Rushing Yards: 1,583
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Rushing Touchdowns: 11
These cumulative numbers reflect a well-rounded quarterback capable of both vertical and horizontal threats — especially valuable in modern NFL offenses.
2025 Season Performance Snapshot
In the 2025 season alone, Mayfield recorded:
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3,693 passing yards
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26 passing touchdowns
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11 interceptions
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Over 380 rushing yards
His 90.6 passer rating demonstrates effective efficiency, especially considering Tampa Bay’s evolving offensive identity.
Detailed Game Logs — What They Reveal
While a full game-by-game analysis for every season exceeds this article’s scope, a snapshot of his late-season 2025 games highlights his consistency:
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In December 2025, Mayfield’s performance against division rivals included both high-yardage passing and learning moments — such as a 277-yard, 2-TD game vs. Atlanta.
Game logs tell the story of a quarterback who can bounce back week after week — a mark of veteran leadership at the position.
Mayfield and NFL Culture
Beyond numbers, Baker Mayfield’s personality and competitive mindset have made him a polarizing, yet beloved figure. His fiery competitiveness, coupled with analytical improvements as a passer, continues driving his narrative in the NFL.
Comparing Mayfield Pre- and Post-Trade
Statistically, since leaving Cleveland in 2022, Mayfield:
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Has put up strong cumulative numbers across teams.
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Maintained a completion percentage near 64%.
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Has posted a passer rating close to 91 or better.
This post-Browns era reveals a quarterback who has matured into a consistent franchise starter.
Career Story: From Walk-On to Pro Star
No narrative about Baker Mayfield is complete without revisiting his college rise. A true walk-on at Texas Tech who then transferred to Oklahoma, Mayfield won the Heisman Trophy and set multiple passing efficiency records — foreshadowing his NFL success.
FAQs
1. Has Baker Mayfield ever been traded in the NFL?
Yes. Baker Mayfield was traded by the Cleveland Browns to the Carolina Panthers in 2022 as part of roster changes after the Browns acquired Deshaun Watson.
2. What are Baker Mayfield’s career stats on Pro Football Reference?
According to Pro Football Reference, Mayfield has thrown for over 28,500 career passing yards, 197 touchdowns, and has a 91.2 career passer rating through the 2025 season.
3. How did Mayfield perform in the 2025 season?
The 2025 season saw Baker throw for 3,693 yards and 26 touchdowns, with a 90.6 passer rating.
4. Has Baker Mayfield made the Pro Bowl?
Yes — Mayfield earned multiple Pro Bowl selections while playing for the Buccaneers, including for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
5. Did his contract with the Buccaneers change recently?
Yes. In 2025, the Buccaneers restructured his contract to guarantee $30 million in 2026 — a move that reflects stability and faith in Mayfield’s future with the team.
Conclusion
Baker Mayfield’s NFL journey is a tale of resilience, skill, and evolution. From breaking franchise droughts in Cleveland to overcoming setbacks with Carolina and Los Angeles, to thriving in Tampa Bay — Mayfield’s story is defined by statistical milestones and a relentless competitive spirit.
Whether you’re tracking his career via Pro Football Reference or analyzing his game logs, one thing is for certain: Baker Mayfield remains one of the most compelling quarterbacks in today’s NFL landscape — a player whose impact continues to evolve each season.
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