CLEVELAND — It was Jan. 10, 2021 when a smiling Baker Mayfield was running off the field at Pittsburgh's Heinz Field having just quarterbacked the Cleveland Browns to their first playoff victory since the 1994 season.
What a difference 20 months can make.
One year, eight months and one day after Mayfield helped lead Cleveland to a 48-37 victory in the NFL's Wild Card round, the No. 1 pick of the 2018 NFL Draft will take the field at Charlotte's Bank of America Stadium for the start of the 2022 NFL season. And so will the Browns.
Only this time, they'll do so as opponents.
In a league driven by storylines, there may not be one with more intrigue in Week 1 than the matchup between Mayfield and his former team, whose months-long breakup played out publicly this past offseason. With that in mind, let's take a look back at the Oklahoma product's time in Cleveland, which saw no shortage of highs and lows.
Dec. 13, 2017
Less than a week after being hired as the Browns' new general manager, John Dorsey reveals to Monday Morning Quarterback's Peter King that he had already begun scouting Mayfield, having watched six of the reigning Heisman Trophy winner's games during the 2017 season.
March 8, 2018
Robert Klemko of Sports Illustrated reports that the Browns, who entered the 2018 draft with the No. 1 pick, met with Mayfield at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis and set up plans to host him for a private workout in Berea.
April 26, 2018
On the same day as the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. forecasts Cleveland to select Mayfield with the No. 1 overall pick. Kiper had previously projected the Browns to select Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen with the top pick throughout the entirety of the draft process.
Hours later, the betting odds shift, with Mayfield supplanting USC quarterback Sam Darnold as the favorite to be Cleveland's pick.
Coming off an 0-16 season in 2017 and a combined 1-31 record over the previous two seasons, the Browns select Mayfield with the No. 1 pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.
"I wanted to be a guy that comes in and helps change the culture of the locker room and be a positive energy and be a leader no matter what the playing time looks like," Mayfield, who watched the draft from home in Austin, Texas, with friends and family, tells reporters after the pick. "I just want to be able to help the team win and strive for greatness.”
April 27, 2018
The Browns officially introduce Mayfield and Ohio State cornerback Denzel Ward -- who they selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the draft -- at the team's headquarters in Berea.
“I think winning will take care of winning them over,” Mayfield says of Browns fans. “I did genuinely want to come here.
“This is a franchise that, traditionally is great. They have a great history, and these fans deserve a team that has success, so you want to be the guy to lead that. That’s just human nature. You want to be that person. For me, being as competitive as I am, the bigger the challenge, the better for me.”
May 27, 2018
Taking to Twitter during the Cleveland Cavaliers' Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, Mayfield pokes fun at Celtics guard Marcus Smart, who spent his college career at one of the rivals of the Oklahoma product's alma mater.
June 19, 2018
Mayfield replies to a tweet from Fox Sports Radio host Colin Cowherd, who wrote of his minicamp struggles: "Marginal size and athleticism isn’t a NUMBER ONE pick. In any draft. In any sport."
"Well it happened bud. Have a nice day!" Mayfield wrote back.
June 30, 2018
Mayfield takes to social media to celebrate his engagement to his girlfriend, Emily Wilkinson.
July 24, 2018
Days ahead of the start of training camp, Mayfield signs his four-year contract with the Browns. He enters training camp behind veteran Tyrod Taylor on Cleveland's quarterback depth chart.
August 10, 2018
Mayfield impresses in his NFL preseason debut, completing 11 of his 20 pass attempts for 212 yards and two touchdowns vs. the New York Giants. Browns head coach Hue Jackson remains committed to Taylor as the team's starting quarterback, but buzz begins to build that Cleveland should consider starting Mayfield instead.
August 21, 2018
Mayfield announces an endorsement deal with the underwear brand PSD. His first campaign includes a shirtless portrait of him parodying the 2009 movie "The Hangover," complete with a live-action tiger.
Later that day, Mayfield parodies Dorsey -- signature crewneck sweatshirt and all -- during the Browns' rookie talent show. The scene is featured on HBO's "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Cleveland Browns."
September 5, 2018
In another scene featured on "Hard Knocks," Jackson informs Mayfield that Taylor will begin the season as Cleveland's starting signal-caller, but congratulates the notoriously competitive quarterback on earning the right to be the Browns' backup.
September 20, 2018
After an 0-1-1 start to the season, Mayfield replaces an injured Taylor in the second quarter of the Browns' Week 3 matchup against the New York Jets on Thursday Night Football. The rookie quarterback leads Cleveland to a 21-17 come-from-behind victory, sparking a city-wide, Bud Light 'Victory Fridge' fueled celebration for the Browns' first win in 635 days.
September 24, 2018
Jackson officially names Mayfield Cleveland's starting quarterback moving forward.
September 30, 2018
In his first NFL start Mayfield completes 21 of 41 pass attempts for 295 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions as the Browns lose a wild 45-42 shootout against the Oakland Raiders in overtime.
October 7, 2018
Making his first start at FirstEnergy Stadium, Mayfield completes 25 of 43 pass attempts for 342 yards, one touchdown and one interception as Cleveland beats the Baltimore Ravens 12-9 in overtime with kicker Greg Joseph kicking the game-winning field goal. The Browns move to 2-2-1 on the season.
October 21, 2018
The refs miss an apparent helmet-to-helmet hit on Mayfield in Cleveland's 26-23 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Later in the week, Mayfield says that “probably not playing quarterback for the Browns" would be the only way for him to successfully draw such a penalty call.
The NFL later admits to the missed call.
October 29, 2018
Following a 33-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that dropped Cleveland's record to 2-5-1, the Browns fire Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is promoted to head coach, while running backs coach Freddie Kitchens is promoted to offensive coordinator.
November 11, 2018
After completing 17 of 20 pass attempts for 216 yards and three touchdowns in a 28-16 win over the Atlanta Falcons that snapped a four-game losing streak for the Browns, Mayfield tells reporters that he "woke up feeling dangerous." The quote instantly becomes the inspiration for dozens of t-shirts in Cleveland.
November 25, 2018
Coming off the bye week, Mayfield completes 19 of 26 attempts for 258 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. After the game, Mayfield shares an icy handshake with Jackson -- who went on to become an assistant coach with the Bengals after being fired by the Browns.
“He left Cleveland and goes down to Cincinnati,” Mayfield told reporters of Jackson. “It’s just somebody that was in our locker room, asking us to play for him, and he goes to a different team who we play twice a year. Everybody can have their spin on it, but that’s how I feel.”
Mayfield later refers to Jackson as "fake" in an Instagram comment.
December 9, 2018
Mayfield completes 18 of 22 pass attempts for 238 yards and one touchdown in Cleveland's 26-20 win over the Carolina Panthers to move to 5-7-1 on the season. After the game, Mayfield calls out Browns fans for the less-than-full crowd at FirstEnergy Stadium.
December 15, 2018
Mayfield caps a fourth-quarter drive with a two-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Antonio Callaway to give Cleveland a 17-16 win over the Denver Broncos in a nationally televised matchup.
Moving to 6-7-1, the Browns remain in the AFC Playoff picture but are eliminated a week later due to results elsewhere in the league.
December 23, 2018
In front of a sold-out crowd at FirstEnergy Stadium in the first home game since Mayfield called out the fans, he completes 27 of 37 pass attempts for 284 yards and three touchdowns, stares down Jackson on the opposing sideline and performs a lewd celebration alongside Kitchens -- which the quarterback is later fined $10,000 for -- in a 26-18 win over the Bengals.
December 24, 2018
In a tweet wishing his followers a "Merry Christmas," Mayfield refers to his critic, Cowherd, as a "Grinch."
December 30, 2018
In the Browns' regular-season finale, Mayfield completes 23 of 42 pass attempts for 376 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions, setting an NFL record for most touchdown passes by a rookie in a season with 27. Cleveland falls to the Ravens 26-24, finishing the season with a 7-8-1 record -- the Browns' best mark since going 10-6 in 2007.
January 9, 2019
Following a weeks' long coaching search, Cleveland promotes Kitchens to head coach thanks in large part to his success working with Mayfield as the team's interim offensive coordinator. According to ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio, Mayfield favored Kitchens in the search, which saw the Browns interview Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski for the position.
January 15, 2019
Mayfield is named the PFWA Rookie of the Year. New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is later named the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year at the annual NFL Honors show.
February 3, 2019
In a commercial featuring NFL players past and present, Mayfield is featured next to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in a Super Bowl commercial celebrating the NFL's upcoming 100th season.
March 12, 2019
The Browns acquire three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in a blockbuster trade with the Giants. Mayfield is among those to publicly celebrate the trade, which makes Cleveland one of the NFL's hottest young teams and catapults the Browns into Super Bowl contender status.
April 5, 2019
After Cowherd suggests that Beckham is unhappy to be in Cleveland, Mayfield takes to social media to rip his longtime nemesis. One month later, Mayfield refers to Cowherd as a "donkey." Despite the Twitter spats, Cowherd insists he "loves" Mayfied.
May 16, 2019
After a Cowherd segment poking fun at the most memorable moments of Beckham's career, Mayfield calls Cowherd a "clown." Mayfield later tells reporters that Cowherd is a "liar" who "needs to be put in his place.”
June 4, 2019
Mayfield publicly takes issue with running back Duke Johnson Jr.'s request for a trade. Mayfield's comments reportedly upset the veteran players in Cleveland's locker room, who discussed the matter with the 24-year-old quarterback.
The Browns later trade Johnson to the Houston Texans.
July 7, 2019
Mayfield and his fiancee, Emily Wilkinson, get married in a ceremony in Malibu, California.
July 17, 2019
Mayfield is featured on the cover of ESPN The Magazine with a cover story by Mina Kimes detailing his rise to becoming one of the NFL's most popular young quarterbacks.
August 3, 2019
While being shown on the jumbotron while attending a Cleveland Indians game at Progressive Field, Mayfield impressively chugs a beer, much to the delight of the crowd and social media. The chug even draws praise from pro wrestling legend Stone Cold Steve Austin, who later features Mayfield as a guest on his TV show "Straight Up Steve Austin."
August 20, 2019
In a profile for GQ Mayfield makes headlines when he states “I cannot believe the Giants took Daniel Jones," referring to the Giants' 2019 first-round quarterback.
August 29, 2019
Mayfield, Ohio-based Progressive Insurance announces a new campaign featuring Baker and Emily Mayfield. The nationally aired commercials are based on the premise that Baker and Emily are living inside of FirstEnergy Stadium year-round. Baker, in particular, draws praise for his acting chops.
Progressive kicks off the campaign with a pep rally for employees at its headquarters with Baker and Emily in attendance.
September 8, 2019
Despite their lofty preseason expectations, the Browns get blown out at home in their 2019 regular-season opener, losing to the Tennessee Titans 43-13. Mayfield completed 25 of 38 pass attempts for 285 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.
September 16, 2019
The Browns bounce back to beat the Jets 23-3 on Monday Night Football to pick up their first win of the 2019 campaign. Mayfield completes 19 of 35 pass attempts for 325 yards, one touchdown -- an 89-yard pass to Beckham -- and one interception.
September 22, 2019
Once again featured in prime time, Cleveland falls to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football, with Mayfield throwing a game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter of the 20-13 defeat. The game features a curious play call in which the Browns ran a running back draw on a crucial 4th and 9, with some speculating that Mayfield may have audibled into the play.
September 25, 2019
Responding to criticism from former Jets and Buffalo Bills coach-turned-ESPN analyst Rex Ryan, who called him "overrated as hell," Mayfield states: “In the wise words of Freddie Kitchens, ‘if you don’t wear orange and brown, you don’t matter.’ Rex Ryan doesn’t have any colors right now for a reason, so it’s okay.”
Days later, Ryan responds by wearing a brown suit with an orange tie on ESPN NFL Sunday Countdown.
September 28, 2019
Days later, Mayfield finds himself in another feud -- this time with former All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown. After Mayfield mocked Brown's ongoing off-field issues in an Instagram comment, the then-free agent fired back, stating, among other comments, that it was a "scam" that Mayfield got drafted ahead of Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Asked about Brown days later, Mayfield repeats: "If you don't wear orange and brown, you don't matter."
September 29, 2019
Mayfield completes 20 of 30 passes for 342 yards, one touchdown and one interception as the Browns beat the Ravens 40-25 to take first place in the AFC North.
October 7, 2019
Cleveland's stint in first place proves to be short-lived as the San Francisco 49ers beat the Browns 31-3 on Monday Night Football. During the game, 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa trolls Mayfield with a flag-waiving celebration following a sack, while San Francisco cornerback Richard Sherman accuses the quarterback of refusing to shake his hand following the pre-game coin toss -- a claim he later apologized for after video evidence ultimately proved it false.
As for Bosa, who was a member of Ohio State's roster when Mayfield led Oklahoma to a win over the Buckeyes in 2017, the No. 2 pick of the 2019 NFL Draft admitted to uncharacteristically trash-talking Cleveland's quarterback during the game.
"I was kind of trying to talk. I don't usually talk. But this game, he had it coming," Bosa said. "But he didn't say one word back."
October 13, 2019
Mayfield rips the officials for calling a blindside blocking penalty against wide receiver Jarvis Landry during the Browns' 32-28 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Mayfield is later fined for the comments, although the fine is ultimately rescinded.
With the defeat, Cleveland falls to 2-4 heading into its bye week.
October 27, 2019
The Browns fall to 2-5 with a 27-13 loss to the New England Patriots. One of Cleveland's low lights from the game comes by way of a bizarre interception in which Mayfield tossed the ball on a pitch play into the hands of Patriots defensive lineman Lawrence Guy.
October 30, 2019
Mayfield abruptly leaves a mid-week press conference after a testy back-and-forth with ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi. Mayfield takes to Twitter to defend himself, while Cowherd uses the opportunity to criticize the quarterback, telling him to "grow up."
November 3, 2019
After Mayfield dons a handlebar mustache for what would be a 24-19 loss to the Broncos and backup quarterback Brandon Allen to drop the Browns to 2-6 on the season, the Cleveland quarterback goes viral for his especially depressing postgame look, which saw him trim the handlebar to a more traditional mustache.
November 10, 2019
Mayfield finds Rashard Higgins for a 7-yard touchdown pass with 1:44 remaining the fourth quarter to give Cleveland a 19-16 win over the Buffalo Bills. The win marks the Browns' first home victory of the season and snaps a four-game losing streak.
Later that week, Mayfield takes issues with Cleveland fans being too loud when the Browns are on offense.
November 14, 2019
The Browns beat the Steelers 21-7 on Thursday Night Football, but the game is overshadowed by Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett hitting Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Rudolph in the head with a helmet during a skirmish in the final minutes. After the game, Mayfield calls the actions of Garrett -- who wound up suspended for the remainder of the season -- "inexcusable."
November 26, 2019
Baker and Emily Mayfield host TownHall's annual "Feed the Need" event as celebrities across help distribute meals to those in need ahead of Thanksgiving.
December 1, 2019
Mayfield throws a game-sealing interception as the Steelers beat the Browns 20-13 at Pittsburgh's Heinz Field. Falling to 5-7 with four games remaining, the loss eliminates any room for error for Cleveland's playoff hopes.
Mayfield suffers a hand contusion in the loss but is able to continue playing, noting "mama didn't raise a wuss."
December 8, 2019
The Browns bounce back to beat the Bengals 27-19 at FirstEnergy Stadium, but the victory is overshadowed by reports that Beckham wants out of Cleveland and postgame comments from Mayfield stating that Beckham's sports hernia injury wasn't handled correctly by the team.
Mayfield later takes to Twitter to clarify that he didn't intend to throw the team's medical staff "under the bus."
December 15, 2019
The Browns fall to the Arizona Cardinals 38-24, effectively ending Cleveland's playoff hopes. The defeat is followed by reports stating that not only Beckham, but also Landry, is looking to get out of Cleveland and fuels speculation regarding Kitchens' future as the team's head coach.
December 23, 2019
Amid mounting criticism due to the Browns' disappointing season, Mayfield replies to another one of Cowherd's segments about him, telling the Fox Sports Radio host: "I’m not in love with myself... but you are, that’s for sure. Also, thanks for the follow on IG! Your constant support is appreciated! Glad I can help out your business!"
December 29, 2019
In their regular-season finale, the Browns fall to the 1-14 Bengals 33-23. Cleveland finishes the season with a disappointing 7-9 record while Mayfield throws the second-most interceptions in the league (21) in what marked a significant step back from his rookie campaign.
Shortly after the game, the Browns fire Kitchens. In the days that follow, the team surprisingly parts ways with its general manager Dorsey.
January 12, 2020
Following a thorough coaching search that included Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, the Browns hire Stefanski -- the Vikings offensive coordinator who was considered a finalist for the job a year ago -- as their new head coach.
January 27, 2020
The Browns hire Philadelphia Eagles vice president of football operations Andrew Berry, who previously worked in Cleveland's front office from 2016-18, as their new general manager. The hiring makes the 32-year-old Berry the youngest general manager in NFL history.
February 7, 2020
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith rips Berry for the unwavering support he showed for Mayfield as Cleveland's starting quarterback during his introductory press conference as Browns GM.
"My issue is with his willingness to come out and express his support for Baker Mayfield," Smith said on ESPN's First Take. "Baker Mayfield, I hope he's somewhere listening because I'm rooting for him. I actually like him -- you don't deserve support. You deserve scrutiny. You threw 21 interceptions this year. What the hell is all of this stuff massaging Baker Mayfield? What have you done?"
February 25, 2020
ESPN Cleveland suspends Grossi -- the analyst who had the testy exchange with Mayfield last season -- after he refers to the quarterback as a "f---ing midget" while unaware that he was still on air during the NFL Scouting Combine. Grossi apologizes and is reinstated on March 11.
March 21, 2020
Baker and Emily Mayfield donate $50,000 to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to help aid coronavirus relief efforts. Baker later takes to social media to thank grocery store workers and encourage people to keep a distance amid the ongoing pandemic.
May 27, 2020
Speaking to reporters, Mayfield acknowledges how crucial his third season could be when it comes to a potential contract extension with the Browns.
"There's no doubt Year 3 is always a big year in these contracts timing-wise, everybody knows that," Mayfield said. "I'm not putting added pressure on myself. If we win, things will take care of themselves."
June 13, 2020
With an emphasis being placed on racial inequality following after a police officer in Minnesota killed a Black man named George Floyd, Mayfield states in an Instagram comment that he will "absolutely" kneel for the national anthem in protest once the season begins.
June 22, 2020
A report from ESPN's Royce Young reveals that Mayfield is among the many celebrities with ties to Oklahoma attempting to get an inmate, Julius Jones, removed from death row. Jones, a Black man, was convicted of first-degree murder but maintained his innocence with racial bias having allegedly played a role in his arrest and conviction.
"Beyond the obvious shortcomings of the trial, another issue that continues to weigh on me is the obvious racial bias that permeated Julius' arrest, prosecution, and conviction," Mayfield wrote in his letter calling for Jones' clemency.
"Every American is supposed to be guaranteed a fair and impartial trial. But when your arresting officer calls you the 'N-word,' when a juror calls you the 'N-word' and when all of this unfolds in the context of decades of death penalty convictions slanted against black men, it is impossible to conclude that Julius received fair and impartial treatment."
August 14, 2020
Mayfield doubles down on his stance that he will kneel for the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality, stating: "Right is right and wrong is wrong. There’s a human rights issue that’s been going on for a long time, and I believe in that."
September 2, 2020
Despite Mayfield's struggles during the 2019 season, Progressive launches the second season of its "At Home with Baker Mayfield" national ad campaign.
September 12, 2020
On the eve of Cleveland's season opener at Baltimore, Mayfield takes to social media to share that he won't, in fact, be kneeling for the national anthem.
"After watching Thursday's game and also watching the Dolphins' players video... it shows that it is not about who is standing or who is kneeling for the anthem. But instead, coming together and taking action to create real change," Mayfield wrote. "Also after reading many letters and messages over the past few weeks... I have been [shown] that a gesture such as kneeling will only create more division or discussion about the gesture, rather than be a solution towards our country's problems at hand. With that being said, I am choosing to stand for both anthems to show respect, love, and unity to everybody involved."
Three Browns players, including Garrett, kneel for the anthem the following day.
September 13, 2020
The Ravens blow the Browns out 38-6, extending Cleveland's winless streak in season openers to 16 years. Mayfield completes 21 of his 39 pass attempts for 189 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
September 18, 2020
Mayfield out-duels No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow on Thursday Night Football as the Browns beat the Bengals 35-30 for Cleveland's first win of the season.
September 27, 2020
Mayfield throws two touchdowns in a 34-20 win over the Washington Football Team, which at 2-1 gives the Browns their first winning record at any point during a season since 2014.
October 4, 2020
Thanks largely to the fourth-quarter heroics of Beckham, Cleveland moves to 3-1 on the season with a 49-38 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.
"This does not feel like last year one bit," Mayfield says following the win, which gave the Browns their best start since 2001. "We're going to continue to improve and we're on to the second quarter of the year."
October 11, 2020
With a 32-23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland moves to 4-1 -- the franchise's best start since 1994. Mayfield completes 21 of 37 pass attempts for 247 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in the win, but suffers a ribs injury that puts his status for the Browns' upcoming game at Pittsburgh in question.
"Mama didn't raise no wuss," Mayfield repeats, indicating he plans to play.
October 18, 2020
In a near repeat of the season opener, the Steelers beat the Browns 38-7. Mayfield -- who completes 10 of 18 pass attempts for 119 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions -- is pulled from the game in the fourth quarter. Stefanski later reveals he benched Mayfield to protect his injured ribs in the blowout loss.
"The feeling throughout the building after that loss -- 4-2 has never felt so much like 0-6 before," Mayfield says in the days that follow.
October 25, 2020
Beckham suffers a torn ACL following a Mayfield interception on the opening drive of Cleveland's Week 7 matchup at Cincinnati.
Despite his sluggish start, Mayfield bounces back to complete a franchise record 22 consecutive completions and five touchdowns, including a 24-yard touchdown pass to Donovan Peoples-Jones with 11 seconds remaining, to lead the Browns to a 37-34 comeback win.
November 15, 2020
In a state indicative of Cleveland's woes at quarterback since 1999, the Browns' 10-7 victory over the Houston Texans makes Mayfield the all-time winningest quarterback in FirstEnergy Stadium history, surpassing Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who had won in Cleveland 11 times.
November 22, 2020
Mayfield has plenty of fun during a 22-17 victory over the Eagles, advancing Cleveland's record to 7-3. Most notably, the starting signal-caller begins working pop culture references, including movie quotes and rap lyrics, into his postgame press conferences after each win.
December 6, 2020
In perhaps the best performance of his pro career, Mayfield completes 25 of 33 pass attempts for 334 yards and four touchdowns as Cleveland moves to 9-3 with its fourth straight win, a 41-35 victory over the Tennessee Titans.
December 11, 2020
Baker and Emily Mayfield team up with Meijer and BodyArmour to donate toys to Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Ohio.
December 14, 2020
In what would go down as arguably the NFL game of the year, Mayfield and Lamar Jackson duel on Monday Night Football. Mayfield impresses, completing 28 of his 47 pass attempts for 343 yards, two touchdowns, one interception and a five-yard touchdown run, but Jackson -- who rushes for 124 yards and two touchdowns -- gets the last laugh as the Ravens win 47-42 thanks to a 55-yard Justin Tuck field goal with two seconds remaining.
December 27, 2020
Despite COVID-19 protocols limiting the availability of Cleveland's wide receiving corps, Mayfield takes the blame for the Browns' 23-16 loss to the Jets, which drops Cleveland's record to 10-5, threatening its playoff hopes.
January 3, 2021
Mayfield runs for the game-clinching first down to seal a 24-22 victory over the Steelers, clinching the Browns' first playoff berth since 2002, ending the NFL's longest active playoff drought.
At the game, Baker and Emily Mayfield host Tom Seipel, a 39-year-old Browns fan suffering from kidney cancer who had just learned he likely only had weeks to live. Seipel passes away on February 13.
January 10, 2021
Despite a COVID-19 breakout limiting the Browns' ability to practice and leaving them without Stefanski and All-Pro left guard Joel Bitonio, Cleveland beats Pittsburgh 48-37, marking the franchise's first postseason victory since the 1994 season. Mayfield completes 21 of his 34 pass attempts for 263 yards and three touchdowns in the win.
After the game, Mayfield trolls comments by Cowherd about his propensity for wearing a backwards hat. Cowherd responds by giving Mayfield credit for the win.
January 17, 2021
The Browns' postseason run comes to an end in the AFC Divisional Round, with the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs handing Cleveland a 22-17 defeat. Mayfield completes 23 of 37 pass attempts for 204 yards, one touchdown and one interception, in a game that saw the Browns fall just short of pulling off the comeback after initially falling behind 19-3.
January 20, 2021
Asked about the possibility of signing Mayfield to a contract extension in the offseason ahead, Berry is noncommittal, but praises the third-year signal-caller.
"In terms of contracts, I don't think this is the appropriate forum to really talk about those decisions. I think that's something that's a little bit more personal to me, the player and the agent," the Browns GM says. "He did an excellent job this year. He led us to our first playoff appearance in eons. He got us to 12 wins, played winning football all year, developed a really strong relationship with Kevin and the offensive staff. And really, as I mentioned last week, he really grew on a weekly basis both on and off the field.
"So we're really, really pleased with him. Look, we wouldn't be where we were at the end of the season without his performance. He had a really strong season."
January 29, 2021
Mayfield takes to Twitter to respond to an article on Dawg Pound Daily suggesting the Browns should consider trading for Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.
"Some of y’all 'browns' are funny," Mayfield writes.
March 4, 2021
Mayfield reports that he and Emily saw a UFO while in Texas. The tweet draws criticism from Cowherd, who says the post doesn't exemplify the behavior of a franchise quarterback.
“I am a firm believer in UFOs and Sasquatch," Mayfield later tells reporters. "It is real. I saw it. I am glad the Navy finally confirmed some more pictures. Now everybody doesn’t think I am as crazy. I believe."
April 24, 2021
The Browns pick up the fifth-year option on Mayfield's rookie contract. In doing so, the team commits to pay him a fully guaranteed $18.9 million for the 2022 season.
April 26, 2021
Asked about the possibility of signing a long-term extension, Mayfield downplays the urgency of the matter.
"If we win games, everything will happen how it should," said Mayfield. "That's my mentality and I truly do believe that."
Mayfield later tells reporters that he's in "no rush" to sign an extension.
June 2021, 2021
Mayfield, alongside agent Damarius Bilbo, wins the home run derby at Jarvis Landry's annual charity softball game in Eastlake, Ohio.
July 21, 2021
Speaking at his annual youth camp, Mayfield indicates that he has been vaccinated for COVID-19 and admits that teams that are more vaccinated will have an advantage in the upcoming season.
"It's a competitive advantage but it's also way more than that," he says. "It's about safety and just general health and well-being of human life."
August 9, 2021
Mayfield enters training camp without a long-term contract extension. After Bills quarterback Josh Allen signs a record six-year, $258 million deal, Mayfield tells reporters "I do not give a damn" about his own negotiations and that he's focused on the upcoming season.
August 13, 2021
Mayfield teases Season 3 of his "At Home with Baker Mayfield" Progressive campaign.
September 8, 2021
With the start of the 2021 season days away, Mayfield hosts Beckham, Landry and tight end Austin Hooper for a workout at the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana.
September 12, 2021
Ahead of the Browns' highly anticipated season opener against the two-time reigning AFC champion Chiefs, Mayfield posts a hype video proclaiming "talk is cheap."
Cleveland jumps out to a 22-10 lead but loses the game 33-29, with Mayfield completing 21 of 28 pass attempts for 321 yards and an interception.
September 19, 2021
The Browns beat the Texans 31-21 in their home opener at FirstEnergy Stadium but the game is overshadowed by a left shoulder injury suffered by Mayfield attempting to make a tackle on Houston safety Justin Reid. After getting checked out in the team's medical tent, Mayfield returns to action without missing a play, completing 19 of 21 pass attempts for 213 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
September 26, 2021
Following a 26-6 victory over the Chicago Bears -- in which Beckham made his 2021 debut -- Mayfield returns to his 2020 form, working multiple Kanye West references into his postgame press conference.
October 3, 2021
Mayfield says "I don't know what the hell that was" following an unimpressive 15-33, 133-yard performance in an ugly 14-7 victory over the Vikings. One of the game's low lights comes when he misses a wide-open Beckham on what would have been a game-sealing play, with both Mayfield and Stefanski denying that his injured left shoulder is affecting the quarterback's play.
October 10, 2021
Mayfield bounces back to complete 23 of 32 pass attempts for 305 yards and two touchdowns, but the Browns lose a shootout to the Los Angeles Chargers 47-42. After the game, Mayfield rips the officials for multiple calls, stating: "Might as well just forward the fine letter."
October 17, 2021
The Browns lose to the Arizona Cardinals 37-14 and Mayfield re-injures his shoulder taking a sack from defensive lineman J.J. Watt. After the game, Mayfield reveals that he re-dislocated his shoulder but that he plans to play the following week vs. the Broncos on Thursday Night Football.
October 19, 2021
Mayfield reiterates that he plans to play vs. Denver and says that it will be his decision to make whether he plays or not.
"I have to make that decision, only I know how my body feels," he says. "And if anyone questions whether I'm hindering the team going out there injured, that's just not right. So it's my decision, I get to say whether I'm able to play or not and that's just how it is."
October 20, 2021
The Browns announce that Mayfield won't play vs. the Broncos and that backup Case Keenum will start in his place.
October 21, 2021
Just ahead of kickoff, Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reports that Mayfield told him that he suffered a shoulder fracture vs. the Cardinals and that he will need the injury to heal before he plays again.
With Keenum at quarterback, the Browns beat the Broncos 17-14 to move to 4-3 on the year.
October 29, 2021
The Browns announce that Mayfield will start at quarterback in their Week 8 matchup vs. the Steelers.
October 31, 2021
Mayfield completes 20 of his 31 attempts for 225 yards as the Browns lose an ugly 15-10 game to the Steelers on Halloween. Of note, Beckham catches just one ball for six yards, bringing his season total to a lackluster 17 receptions for 232 yards and no touchdowns.
After the game, Beckham reportedly requests a trade with the NFL trade deadline just two days away.
November 2, 2021
Hours ahead of the NFL trade deadline, Beckham's father, Odell Beckham Sr., takes to Instagram to share an 11-minute video highlighting all of the times that Mayfield missed his son on throws throughout the season. NBA superstar LeBron James tweets his support of Beckham, posting "#FreeOBJ," but Cleveland ultimately fails to trade the star receiver ahead of the 4 p.m. ET deadline.
November 3, 2021
The Browns excuse Beckham from practice with Stefanski reportedly telling players that the wide receiver is no longer a part of the team.
Meeting with the media, Mayfield says that he was "surprised" by Beckham Sr.'s viral video and denies that he deliberately declined to target the younger Beckham.
November 4, 2021
Cleveland safety John Johnson III tells reporters that the majority of Browns players would welcome Beckham back to the team.
November 5, 2021
The Browns come to terms with Beckham on a release. He goes on to sign as a free agent with the Rams.
November 7, 2021
Following a week full of Beckham-fueled drama, the Browns beat the Bengals 41-16 to move to 5-4 with Mayfield 14 of 21 pass attempts for 218 yards and two touchdowns.
After the game, Mayfield says that he wishes Beckham well, but adds that he's proud of his team for overcoming the "bulls--t" it dealt with the previous week.
November 10, 2021
After the Browns sign guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller to contract extensions, Mayfield insists that he's still not focused on his own contract status.
"That changes nothing for me," Mayfield says, noting that both Bitonio and Teller are deserving of their new deals. "I'm still just trying to find a way to win games and everything else will take care of itself."
November 14, 2021
Mayfield leaves the Browns' 45-7 blowout loss to the New England Patriots with a knee injury. Stefanski says that the quarterback could have returned to play, but he opted to hold him out due to the lopsided score.
Days later, Mayfield says of his health: "this is probably the most beat up I've ever been."
November 18, 2021
Hours before Julius Jones was scheduled to be executed, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt commutes his sentence to life in prison without parole. Mayfield -- who hours earlier made an emotional plea to Stitt -- takes to social media to celebrate the news.
"God is GREAT!!!" he writes. "Thank you to everybody that prayed and continued to pray!"
November 21, 2021
The Browns beat the Lions 13-10 to move to 6-5 on the season. Following the ugly win, in which Cleveland fans booed the Browns offense, Mayfield -- who completed 15 of 29 attempts for 176 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions -- quickly exits the field instead of sticking around to celebrate with teammates and declines to speak with reporters.
November 22, 2021
Mayfield meets with reporters via Zoom. Asked about being booed by the home crowd a day earlier, the quarterback states: "Those are probably the same fans that won't be quiet when we're on offense trying to operate. So, don't really care."
The comment draws criticism from multiple NFL analysts.
November 23, 2021
Baker and Emily Mayfield host their annual "Feed the Need" event at TownHall.
November 28, 2021
Despite Lamar Jackson throwing four interceptions, the Browns lose to the Ravens 16-10 on Sunday Night Football to fall to 6-6. After the game, Stefanski says he won't consider benching Mayfield -- who completed 18 of 37 pass attempts for 247 yards and one touchdown -- during the team's upcoming bye.
In a post on Facebook, the father of Browns running back Kareem Hunt criticizes Mayfield's play.
December 1, 2021
Cowherd proclaims that he's done talking about Mayfield moving forward, stating: "I won the argument"
During his bye week press conference, Berry says that the Browns expect Mayfield to play his best football in the final stretch of the season. Asked about the quarterback's future with the team, Cleveland's general manager states: "With Baker, especially from a long-term perspective, you really try to take a big picture. Really with any player, it's about the body of work really over several years. And also taking into context the environment or particular individual situation. We've seen Baker play a lot good football here. We've seen Baker play good football this season."
December 12, 2021
CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reports that Mayfield will need surgery in the offseason to repair his injured shoulder.
After the Browns beat the Ravens 24-22, Mayfield says that his shoulder feels the best that it has since before he suffered his injury in Week 2.
December 14, 2021
Baker and Emily Mayfield host their annual "Passing the Joy" event at the Elyria Boys and Girls Club.
December 15, 2021
Mayfield is among several Browns players and coaches to test positive for COVID-19 ahead of the team's upcoming matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.
December 16, 2021
Mayfield takes to Twitter to call out the NFL over its COVID-19 protocols and expresses a desire for the Browns' game vs. the Raiders to be postponed. The matchup is ultimately delayed two days, but neither Mayfield nor Keenum is able to test negative in time to play.
December 20, 2021
With former practice squad quarterback Nick Mullens making the start for Cleveland, the Browns lose 16-14 to fall to 7-7.
December 25, 2021
Mayfield returns to Cleveland's lineup in time to start a Christmas Day matchup against the Green Bay Packers. He goes on to throw four interceptions -- including one to seal the game -- in a 24-22 loss that takes the Browns' playoff hopes out of their own hands.
December 30, 2021
Emily Mayfield takes to Instagram to share that her husband as received death threats over his lackluster performance vs. Green Bay. Speaking to reporters, Baker downplays the matter.
January 2, 2022
One day before taking the field for a matchup vs. the Steelers on Monday Night Football, Cleveland is officially eliminated from postseason contention thanks to a Bengals win vs. the Chiefs and a Chargers victory over the Broncos.
January 3, 2022
Mayfield is sacked nine times and completes 16 of 38 pass attempts for 185 yard, two touchdowns and two interceptions as the Browns fall the Pittsburgh 26-14.
After the game, Mayfield questions Cleveland's game plan and says that he hasn't always been put in the best positions throughout the season. He also adds that he is unsure whether he'll play in the Browns' regular-season finale vs. Cincinnati and will consult with his family and agent on the decision.
January 4, 2022
Stefanski announces that Mayfield won't play in their Week 18 matchup vs. the Bengals and will have surgery as soon as possible.
January 6, 2022
After Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot writes a report detailing an apparent rift between Mayfield and Stefanski throughout the season, Mayfield retweets the article, referring to it as "clickbait."
January 9, 2022
Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network report that the Browns plan to move forward with Mayfield as their starting quarterback in 2022. Cleveland goes on to beat Cincinnati -- which was resting most of its key players -- 21-16 to finish the season 8-9.
January 10, 2022
Stefanski tells reporters that he doesn't view Mayfield's shoulder injury as an excuse and that he expects him to bounce back in 2022.
January 11, 2022
Speaking to reporters, Berry says that he expects Mayfield to be Cleveland's starting quarterback in 2022. But when asked about the possibility of potentially pursuing another quarterback in the months ahead, the GM replies: "My job is to assemble the best team possible and make sure that we're in a position to compete consistently for the division, to be in the playoffs and ultimately win a championship. That's something that we'll strive to do every year."
January 14, 2022
In a radio interview on 92.3 The Fan, Stefanski addresses his relationship with Mayfield.
"Baker and I, I think we work well together. I respect him. He respects me. I push him. He understands how we operate," Stefanski says. "We’ve had two years together, and I think as a team we’ve certainly just had our ups and downs. But I do think that we push each other, and there’s definitely a level of respect there."
January 19, 2022
Mayfield successfully undergoes surgery to repair the torn labrum in his left shoulder. In a video posted to social media after the procedure, Mayfield thanks his fans and details the road ahead.
"This is one of those steps to get back to my true self. This past year hasn't been very easy," he says. "A lot of stuff has gone down and it wasn't easy on me or my family, so I appreciate everybody that's reached out and wished me good luck on the surgery. All the prayers and everything -- it definitely didn't go unnoticed, so thank you."
January 26, 2022
After liking a tweet from 92.3 The Fan host Dustin Fox that stated that what the Browns currently have at quarterback isn't good enough to keep pace in the AFC, Mayfield announces that he's taking a break from social media.
February 13, 2022
Beckham catches two passes for 52 yards and a touchdown in the Rams' 23-20 victory over the Bengals in the Super Bowl. Several Browns players -- not including Mayfield -- take to social media to congratulate Beckham, who suffered a torn ACL in the game.
February 26, 2022
Despite the negativity surrounding Mayfield, Myles Garrett tells TMZ that he's supporting his quarterback.
"He's my quarterback," Garrett said. "He's my guy. He stuck by us, I'm going to stick by him."
Asked in particular if he believes in Mayfield's ability to lead Cleveland back to the postseason, however, the 2-time All-Pro says: "I believe in the Browns."
March 1, 2022
Speaking with reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine, Berry doesn't rule out adding competition at quarterback for Mayfield.
"We really do look at it as if it's an expansion team," Berry says. "And if we have opportunities to match resources with talent, we do want to continue to add talent to the roster and that applies to every position."
March 2, 2022
Stefanski reiterates that he still has confidence in Mayfield as Cleveland's starting quarterback.
March 8, 2022
Mayfield breaks his social media silence to celebrate his soon-to-be-unveiled statue at the University of Oklahoma.
March 14, 2022
Multiple reports state that the Browns are exploring a potential trade for Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, after a Texas grand jury declined to indict the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback on criminal charges related to multiple accusations of sexual misconduct.
March 15, 2022
ESPN's Kimberley Martin reports that the Browns are one of the teams set to meet with Watson in hopes of convincing him to waive his no-trade clause for a potential deal.
Amid the reports regarding his team's interest in Watson, Mayfield posts a letter regarding his uncertain future in Cleveland.
"I have given this franchise everything I have," Mayfield says. "Whatever happens.. I just want to say thank you to the fans who truly embraced who I am and the mentality that aligned so well with this city's hard working people."
March 16, 2022
ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that regardless of the outcome of the Browns' pursuit of Watson, Mayfield's time in Cleveland is likely over. Mortensen notes the Browns' desire to have an "adult" at quarterback as a reason for the franchise moving on from Mayfield.
March 17, 2022
The Browns are reportedly informed that Watson won't be waiving his no-trade clause to join them and that the 26-year-old signal-caller is deciding between joining the Atlanta Falcons or New Orleans Saints.
Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network reports that Cleveland views Mayfield as its starting quarterback moving forward. Later in the day, however, Mayfield asks for a trade from the Browns -- a request the team denies.
March 18, 2022
In a stunning turn of events, Watson reverses course and agrees to be traded to Cleveland. In return, the Browns send Houston a package including three first-round picks and sign Watson to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract -- the largest guaranteed contract in NFL history.
March 23, 2022
Replying to a tweet from a fan, Beckham -- now a free agent -- says that the Browns would make for an "interesting" free agent suitor following their acquisition of Watson.
March 25, 2022
Speaking at Watson's introductory press conference, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam denies making the comment that the team wanted an "adult" at quarterback. Stefanski, meanwhile, says that the team is looking for "closure" relating to Mayfield, who Cleveland is now actively shopping in trades.
April 13, 2022
Appearing on the "Ya Neva Know" podcast, Mayfield says he felt disrespected by the Browns' pursuit of Watson, who would later settle 23 civil suits accusing him of sexual misconduct and be suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 season.
He also detailed his time in Cleveland thusly: “I got my taste of it because I’ve had four different head coaches in four years, a bunch of different coordinators. I’ve had the highs and they always come back. I had great times my rookie year. I didn’t start in the beginning. I came in and had fun in the back half of the year. 2019 sucked. 2020 was great, made the playoffs. 2021 was miserable."
April 29, 2022
The Browns and Carolina Panthers engage in trade talks regarding Mayfield during the 2022 NFL Draft but are unable to reach a deal. Mayfield's $18.9 million salary appears to be the biggest sticking point in Cleveland being unable to successfully find a suitor more than a month after acquiring Watson.
June 1, 2022
Appearing on the "Varsity House Podcast," Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah admit that Mayfield and Beckham's relationship became a distraction for the team in 2022.
June 8, 2022
Having still been unable to find a trade, the Browns excuse Mayfield from the team's mandatory minicamp.
June 28, 2022
Asked at his annual youth camp -- which he held in Norman, Oklahoma -- about a possible reconciliation with the Browns, Mayfield rules out the possibility.
"I think it's been pretty obvious, the mutual decision on both sides is to move on," Mayfield says, via SoonerScoop. "I'm thankful for my four years in Cleveland. There was a lot of ups and downs and a ton of learning experiences that I'll forever keep with me."
July 6, 2022
The Browns trade Mayfield to the Panthers. As a part of the deal, Cleveland agrees to pay $10 million of the quarterback's salary, with Mayfield taking a $3.5 million paycut to facilitate the trade.
As fate would have it, the Browns and Panthers were already scheduled to meet in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season. Mayfield -- who would go on to beat out Sam Darnold to be Carolina's starting quarterback, entering the 2022 campaign -- admits to the Panthers' official website that the game will have a little extra "personal meaning" to him.
"I'm not going to sit here and be a robot and tell you that's not one I've marked on the calendar already," he says. "One, that's not who I am. To me, it's about winning games. Whoever we have marked on the schedule, I'm going to try to win. Obviously, this one has a little more history and personal meaning, but for me, it's about winning and setting the tone for the rest of the year, and however I can help this team do that, I'm going to do."
Asked by the team's website if he's the type to hold grudges, Mayfield replies with a grin: "I try not to."
