The Browns are trading QB Baker Mayfield to the Panthers for a conditional 5th-round pick in 2024, NFL Network reports. The 2 teams "split the financials to make it happen," according to Ian Rapoport, so Carolina is presumably picking up about half of Mayfield's nearly $19 million 2022 cap hit. Mayfield is coming off a disappointing, injury-riddled 2021 season but played well the previous year, finishing 10th among 32 qualifiers in Pro Football Focus' passing grades. In fact, Mayfield earned higher PFF passing grades in each of his first 3 NFL seasons than QB Sam Darnold has managed in any of his 4 NFL seasons. So Mayfield is a tangible upgrade for D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, Terrace Marshall and Christian McCaffrey. Mayfield himself looks like just a middling QB2, although those weapons give him some weekly upside. Check out the updated projections for the Panthers offense.
Update: Per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Mayfield agreed to shave about $3.5 million off his 2022 salary. The Browns will pay him $10.5 million this year; the Panthers around $5 million.
The Buccaneers are finalizing a three-year extension with QB Baker Mayfield, according to multiple reports. The pact will reportedly pay him $100 million, with $50 million guaranteed and another $15 million available in incentives. The impact: Mayfield looks like the Tampa Bay QB for at least the next two years -- and probably the next three. He enjoyed a rebound 2023 and will continue to have Mike Evans and Chris Godwin as his top two wideouts. Mayfield delivered six top-12 fantasy finishes at the position last season and remains a nice value at his low draft cost. He should remain a solid late QB2 for 2024 redraft leagues.
Liam Coen is expected to be named the Bucs' new OC, according to NFL Network. Coen broke into the NFL coaching ranks as a Rams assistant under HC Sean McVay from 2018 to 2020. He headed to the college ranks in 2021 as Kentucky's OC, re-joined McVay as Rams OC in 2022, and then bounced back to Kentucky's OC job this past year. The most noteworthy aspect of this hire is that Coen spent the second half of that 2022 season with QB Baker Mayfield, who's scheduled to hit free agency next month. A return to Tampa Bay seems to make the most sense for both sides.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield (ankle, ribs) is active for tonight's game vs. the Eagles. He never seemed to be in danger of missing this one, although he won't be at 100% after getting in just two limited practices this week.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield (ribs, ankle) is expected to play vs. the Eagles on Monday night, according to The Athletic's Jeff Howe. Mayfield only got in limited practices on Friday and Saturday and is listed as questionable, so he'll clearly be at less than 100% for this win-or-go-home game. The matchup against Philadelphia's 31st-ranked QB defense still gives Mayfield some DFS tournament appeal.
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield (ankle, ribs) is listed as questionable for Monday night's playoff game vs. the Eagles. He got in limited practices on Friday and Saturday. We'd be surprised if Mayfield did not play on Monday, but we'll continue to keep you updated on his status. QB Kyle Trask is Mayfield's backup.
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