Baker Mayfield: Trade request| Traded| What year was drafted

Baker Mayfield: Trade Request, Trades & Draft History

Baker Mayfield is one of the most dynamic and debated quarterbacks of his generation. From his early rise as a Heisman Trophy winner to being drafted No. 1 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, through trade requests and multiple team changes, Mayfield’s NFL career has been a compelling story for football fans worldwide.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down:

• When Baker Mayfield was drafted

• Why he requested a trade

• His trades and NFL journey

• Career highlights and controversies

• Key stats and legacy

Draft Origins: Baker Mayfield in the NFL

Baker Mayfield entered the NFL spotlight after a standout college career.

Before the NFL, Mayfield played at Texas Tech and Oklahoma, where he won several major collegiate honors — including the Heisman Trophy in 2017.

Draft Year and Position

• Draft Year: 2018

• Draft Round: 1

• Draft Pick: 1st overall

• Drafted By: Cleveland Browns

Mayfield’s selection as the top pick made headlines — the Browns believed he could be the franchise quarterback to lead them out of years of quarterback instability.

Rookie Impact and Browns Era (2018–2021)

After being drafted first overall, Mayfield made an immediate impact. He broke the NFL rookie touchdown record for quarterbacks and helped the Browns avoid a long winless streak.

Highlights in Cleveland

• Set rookie touchdown passing record

• Ended a 19-game Browns winless streak

• Led the team to its first playoff win in 26 years in 2020

Despite early success, his time with the Browns was turbulent due to coaching changes, injuries, and inconsistency.

The Trade Request: Why Mayfield Asked to Leave

The turning point in Mayfield’s Browns career came in March 2022.

According to reports, Mayfield officially requested a trade, saying that “the relationship is too far gone to mend” and that it was in the mutual best interests for both sides to move on.

He was frustrated by the team’s direction and uncertainty regarding his role — especially after the Browns pursued Deshaun Watson. This led to a shift in how the franchise viewed the quarterback position.

The Browns Trade Mayfield (2022)

In July 2022, Cleveland finally agreed to trade Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers, ending his four-year tenure with the Browns.

Details of the Trade

• Trade to: Carolina Panthers

• Compensation: Conditional 2024 fifth-round draft pick (could improve to fourth-round)

As part of the trade, Cleveland paid a portion of Mayfield’s salary and facilitated the deal to make roster and cap space after acquiring Watson.

His departure marked the end of one of the more dramatic quarterback eras in recent Browns history.

Carolina and Short Stints (2022–2023)

After the trade, Mayfield’s time with the Panthers was brief and inconsistent. He agreed to a pay cut and aimed to prove his worth but struggled to make an impact in Carolina.

He requested his release six months later but remained in the league through other opportunities.

The Los Angeles Rams claimed him off waivers in 2022, where a short stint helped him reassert his NFL viability.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Career Resurgence

In 2023, Mayfield signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, filling the void left by Tom Brady’s retirement.

His resurgence included:

• Leading the Buccaneers to division titles

• Multiple playoff appearances

• A lucrative contract extension with Tampa Bay

In 2025, Tampa Bay even restructured his contract to guarantee additional money for the future, reflecting confidence in Mayfield’s performance.

Career Highlights

Some key career milestones for Baker Mayfield include:

• NFL Rookie of the Year (2018)

• Broke NFL rookie touchdown record

• Multiple Pro Bowl selections with Buccaneers

• NFL playoff victories with different teams

These achievements underline his ability to adapt and thrive even after career setbacks.

Controversies and Public Comments

Mayfield hasn’t shied away from speaking his mind:

• He publicly criticized former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, saying he felt “shipped off like a piece of garbage” after the trade.

• On the “New Heights” podcast, he sent a blunt message to the Browns about their quarterback situation — affirming “Not my problem anymore.”

Such candid remarks illustrate friction between Mayfield and the Browns, especially after their decision to replace him with Deshaun Watson.

Key Stats and Legacy

Mayfield’s career stats — from Browns to Buccaneers — reflect a player who’s delivered both highs and lows but remains relevant in the NFL.

Here’s a snapshot:

• Drafted: 2018, 1st overall pick

• Quarterback for: Browns, Panthers, Rams, Buccaneers

• NFL Rookie Standards: Set passing marks

Today, he is seen by many analysts as a quarterback who found a second wind later in his career after a difficult transition from Cleveland.

What Mayfield’s Trades Mean in NFL Context

Baker Mayfield’s journey exemplifies NFL volatility — even for former No. 1 picks.

His trade from the Browns signaled several league-wide trends:

1. Quarterback market value can fluctuate dramatically

2. Team philosophy can override player performance

3. Fit and coaching matter greatly

Though not the face of a franchise for Cleveland long-term, Mayfield’s resilience boosted his career and market value with the Buccaneers.

Summary: Baker Mayfield’s NFL Path

From the top pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to expressing trade request frustrations, to bouncing back with Tampa Bay — Baker Mayfield’s career has been one of spectacle, resilience, and adaptation.

Here’s a quick recap:

FAQs About Baker Mayfield

1. What year was Baker Mayfield drafted?

Baker Mayfield was drafted first overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns.

2. Why did Baker Mayfield request a trade?

Mayfield requested a trade in 2022 because he felt the relationship with the Browns had deteriorated and it was in both parties’ best interests to part ways.

3. Which teams has Mayfield been traded to?

Mayfield was traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2022, then had a brief stint with the Rams before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

4. What draft pick did the Browns receive for Mayfield?

The Browns received a conditional 2024 fifth-round draft pick from the Panthers, which could have improved to a fourth-round pick based on conditions.

5. How has Mayfield performed since the trade?

After the trade and short follow-ups, Mayfield rejuvenated his career in Tampa Bay, earning Pro Bowl nods and leading the Buccaneers to playoff berths.