Buccaneers assistant says Browns erred in trading Baker Mayfield
Ken Zampese, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive assistant, told ESPN that the Cleveland Browns made a mistake by trading quarterback Baker Mayfield, who will face the team this Sunday.
Baker Mayfield is set to play against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, marking only his second appearance versus the team since being traded four years ago. Tampa Bay Buccaneers senior offensive assistant Ken Zampese, who was on the Browns' staff during Mayfield's rookie season, said the franchise "mucked it up" by moving on from the quarterback.
"The year we were there, we were one of the best offenses in the NFL the second half of that season, 5-3, in a place that was — before that season started — 1-31. The script got flipped and the city came alive because they finally drafted a quarterback that worked out for them and they mucked it up. They mucked it up."
Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick in 2018, took over as starter in Week 4 of his rookie year and helped the Browns finish the season 6-7, the most wins by a Cleveland quarterback in a single season since 2014. He later contributed to an 11-5 record and a playoff appearance in 2020, including a wild-card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After the Browns acquired Deshaun Watson in a 2022 trade, Mayfield was dealt to the Carolina Panthers, where his tenure was brief before joining the Los Angeles Rams as a short-term starter. The Buccaneers signed him to a one-year contract for the 2023 season, leading the team to an NFC South title and earning a three-year, $100 million extension. In 2024, Mayfield posted 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, prompting a three-year, $165 million extension through 2029.
Since the start of the 2023 season, the Browns have started nine different quarterbacks, compiling a combined 19-33 record. The upcoming matchup at Raymond James Stadium will be the teams' second meeting of the season, with both seeking to avoid a 0-2 start after losing in Week 1.