For a variety of reasons, the Cleveland Browns and Baker Mayfield will be linked together forever and especially early in this season. The Carolina Panthers acquired Mayfield to compete to be their starting quarterback. They gave up just a future fifth-round pick and are paying very little of his salary.
The Browns acquired that pick at the cost of paying over half Mayfield’s salary while the quarterback gave up millions of dollars to get a fresh start.
Unfortunately for both sides, the two parties are set to collide in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season.
As Cleveland moves on, fans of the team over the last few years have made different decisions. Some Browns fans came along from Norman, Oklahoma and would “Ride with 6” no matter where he goes. Some Cleveland fans became enamored with Mayfield and have decided to follow him on to Carolina.
On day one of training camp, the former Browns starter made it clear he doesn’t want to see his Cleveland jersey at the Panthers practices:
Baker to a fan holding his Browns jersey:
“Get that jersey outta here.” pic.twitter.com/jDkZcoqp8K
— Schuyler Callihan (@Callihan_) July 27, 2022
A fan, likely the one Mayfield is speaking to in this video, was interviewed by the local media. She is one of the lifelong Browns fans, according to her statement, that will now be rooting for the Panthers:
Longtime Browns and Baker Mayfield fan at Panthers camp. She’s so happy Mayfleld didn’t go to the Steelers. pic.twitter.com/Vyzq5FLnhz
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) July 27, 2022
With Cleveland and Carolina set to face off in Week 1, Mayfield will continue to be a topic of conversation for both sides.
Some Browns fans will defect, like the lady above. Some will wish Mayfield luck on his ways. Others will disparage him now that he’s gone. Still others were only fans of Cleveland because of their college affiliation. Good or bad, Mayfield draws a reaction from almost everyone involved.