SHOCKING: How Browns let a $200 million star slip away and what it means for their future

In football, players often change teams. They find new success. Baker Mayfield's story is very striking. He was a key player for the Cleveland Browns. Now he is a big star for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

His old team's past choices now look questionable.

Cleveland Browns’ quarterback quandary unfolds

About three years ago, in July 2022, the Cleveland Browns traded Baker Mayfield. He went to the Carolina Panthers. The Cleveland Browns wanted a more active quarterback. They made a big move for Deshaun Watson. This was despite serious issues around him. They gave him a huge contract. It was fully guaranteed, $230 million, as reported by NFL.com.

Deshaun Watson's time in Cleveland Browns has been tough.

He's been inconsistent. He's had injuries. In November 2023, he tore his Achilles tendon. This put the Cleveland Browns in a hard spot.For the 2024 offseason, they face a quarterback competition. Joe Flacco might play. Kenny Pickett, a new acquisition, could too. College players like Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel are possibilities.

Their quarterback situation is very uncertain. General manager Andrew Berry said in January 2024, "We are always looking to upgrade every position, and quarterback is no different."

Baker Mayfield's remarkable rise in Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Cleveland Browns have struggled with quarterbacks. But Baker Mayfield's career has changed greatly. Following a very brief stay with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, his next destination would be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March 2023.He has certainly performed well there. He is now a functioning starting quarterback. His performance has led there to be talks of a lucrative new contract. Maybe somewhere in the ballpark of $200 million.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network discussed these figures in March 2024.Baker Mayfield's success shows his strong spirit. He is very adaptable. Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans love him. He is a key part of their offense. His old coach, Kevin Stefanski, spoke about him. At a game in December 2023, he said, "Baker's a competitor. He'll always give you what he's got." Baker Mayfield's travels are a reflection of just how unpredictable football can be. It also shows that teams need patience and smart decisions for the future.Also Read: “They Refused To Shake His Hand”: Baker Mayfield’s Explosive Reaction Vs. Kansas Was Next-Level