Cleveland Browns Agree To Trade Baker Mayfield To Carolina Panthers

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns have agreed to trade quarterback Baker Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers, according to reports.

In exchange, the Browns will receive either a fourth- or fifth-round pick in 2024. The exact number hinges on how much Mayfield plays in Carolina, ESPN reported.

The news was first reported Wednesday by NFL Network. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported, citing anonymous sources, the deal is pending a physical and all parties are splitting the financials to make it work.

Cleveland will reportedly pay Mayfield $10.5 million this season, and Carolina will pay him around $5 million, according to NFL Network. Mayfield was originally owed about $19 million. He agreed to a $3.5 million pay cut, but could earn that back in incentives.

The Panthers confirmed the trade news in a tweet featuring a picture of Mayfield with the words "trade." The tweet was accompanied by three chef emojis, a reference to the quarterback's first name.

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Mayfield, 27, was drafted by the Browns out of Oklahoma first overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. During a historic rookie season in which he won rookie of the year, he broke every rookie Browns passing record and the NFL's rookie quarterback passing touchdown record.

In four seasons with the team, he threw for over 14,000 yards and 92 touchdowns. However, he also threw 56 interceptions and took 134 sacks.

Mayfield's deal comes after the team traded for Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans. Despite a possible looming suspension and 24 civil lawsuits filed against Watson — 20 of which were recently settled — the quarterback was rewarded with a five-year deal worth $230 million fully guaranteed.

Mayfield becomes the third No. 1 overall pick since 1967 to last four or fewer seasons with the team that he debuted with, according to ESPN. He joins JaMarcus Russell (three seasons with the then-Oakland Raiders) and Jeff George (four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts).