Baker Mayfield's NFL journey has been a dramatic rise and fall spanning just a few short years. As the #1 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2018, he initially showed great promise, breaking the rookie touchdown record and giving the franchise hope after years of quarterback struggles.

His rookie season featured memorable moments, including leading the Browns to their first win in over a year against the Jets. However, things began to unravel in 2019 under head coach Freddie Kitchens, resulting in a disappointing 6-10 record despite the addition of star receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

The 2020 season brought new hope with head coach Kevin Stefanski. Mayfield led the Browns to an 11-5 record and their first playoff win in decades. This success proved short-lived, as 2021 marked the beginning of the end.

A Week 3 shoulder injury against Chicago severely impacted Mayfield's performance. His struggles were further complicated by drama with Odell Beckham Jr., culminating in Beckham's father publicly criticizing Mayfield's play. After a disastrous Christmas Day game featuring four interceptions, the Browns' front office decided to move on.

The Browns traded for Deshaun Watson in 2022, effectively ending Mayfield's tenure. He was traded to the Carolina Panthers, where he posted one of the worst QBR ratings in NFL history at 18.2. After being released by Carolina, Mayfield was claimed by the Los Angeles Rams, giving him potentially his final chance to prove he belongs in the NFL.

This rapid descent from franchise savior to backup quarterback serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of NFL success and the importance of both physical and mental resilience at the sport's highest level.

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