Baker Mayfield's journey to NFL stardom was an unlikely one, but not because he was an underdog. Still, his ability to handle adversity — something that has been ever-present during his seven-year odyssey in the league — is impressive.
Mayfield is performing better than the majority of all big-league hurlers to start the 2024 campaign. The Buccaneers signal-caller is second in passing touchdowns through four games, bested only by Minnesota's Sam Darnold.
For a while, such a surge didn't appear possible for the 29-year old, who swapped franchises three different times before finding a home in Tampa.
Here's what you need to know about Mayfield's sordid professional career up to date, from his Cleveland start to his renaissance in Tampa Bay.
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Where did Baker Mayfield go to college?
Mayfield attended Oklahoma. He served as a three-year starter for the Sooners, helming Oklahoma's offense from 2016-18.
Mayfield started his college career at Texas Tech. He walked onto the Red Raiders after garnering three-star status as a recruit at nearby Lake Travis (Texas) High School
Despite his walk-on status, Mayfield was named the starter ahead of Texas Tech's season opener after the Red Raiders' QB room was ravaged by injury. Mayfield started seven games as a true freshman, posting modest numbers (64.1% passing, 2,315 yards, 12 touchdowns, nine interceptions).
The then-teenager controversially transferred to OU in January 2014, citing communication issues with then-Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury as his reason for seeking another home. Mayfield joined Bob Stoops' side as a walk-on, although he couldn't actually play for the team until the 2015 season due to transfer rules.
Once Mayfield did get under center, he impressed. He won the starting gig ahead of the 2015 season and never let go, accruing more than 12,000 passing yards and 119 touchdowns to just 21 interceptions across his three years in Norman.
Mayfield earned Heisman votes in each of his seasons, placing fourth in 2015, third in 2016 and first in 2017. With his win, Mayfield became the first — and to date, only — walk-on to receive such an honor.
Here's a look at Mayfield's boilerplate numbers from an epic career for Big 12 powerhouses.
Baker Mayfield's college stats
| Year | Team | Record | Comp. % | Yards | TDs | INTs | Rating |
| 2013 | Texas Tech | 5-2 | 64.1 | 2,315 | 12 | 9 | 127.7 |
| 2014 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2015 | Oklahoma | 11-2 | 68.1 | 3,700 | 36 | 7 | 173.3 |
| 2016 | Oklahoma | 11-2 | 70.9 | 3,965 | 40 | 8 | 196.4 |
| 2017 | Oklahoma | 11-2 | 70.5 | 4,627 | 43 | 6 | 198.9 |
| Total | 38-8 | 68.5 | 14,607 | 131 | 30 | 175.4 |
*Mayfield redshirted during the 2014 season.
Baker Mayfield draft class
Mayfield emerged as one of the 2018 NFL Draft's top prospects, captivating scouts with efficiency, processing speed and arm talent. NFL.com's Lance Zierlein likened him to Doug Flutie, while NFL Films' Greg Cosell praised his play-making chops.
Ultimately, Mayfield's prowess for moments of magic proved enough for the NFL's worst side — the Browns — to take a swing on him.
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How many teams has Baker Mayfield played for?
Mayfield has played for four franchises thus far in his NFL career:
- Cleveland Browns
- Carolina Panthers
- Los Angeles Rams
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Browns took Mayfield with the first-overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He played four seasons in Cleveland, departing for Carolina in 2022 via trade. Following an unsuccessful spell in Charlotte, Mayfield then joined the Rams, starting a handful of games in 2022. He inked a one-year deal with the Buccaneers in the 2023 offseason and has been in Tampa ever since, agreeing to a three-year contract extension with the franchise ahead of the 2024 campaign.
Browns (2018-21)
Cousins began his career in Cleveland, taking charge of the Browns offense after the franchise made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Mayfield wasn't initially named starter. However, he wouldn't have to wait too long to get his chance; by Week 3, Mayfield was under center.
Mayfield led his employers to a 7-8-1 record as a rookie, Cleveland's best record since 2007. He ended the year with 63.8% passing, 3,725 yards and 27 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. For his efforts, he was named to the PFWA's All-Rookie team. Mayfield also finished second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Giants star Saquon Barkley.
Mayfield had his moments in Cleveland, even leading the Browns to a playoff appearance in 2020 — their first since 2002. Nevertheless, his time was marred by inconsistent displays, contentious soundbites and interceptions — plenty of interceptions.
Deshaun Watson's high-profile arrival in 2022 spelled the end of Mayfield's Cleveland career. He requested a trade shortly after the Browns' front office made its move for Watson.
Panthers (2022)
The Panthers sent a conditional fifth-round pick to the Browns to acquire Mayfield's services in July 2022.
There was hope a change of scenery would help Mayfield fulfill some of his potential with the Panthers. Reality was far more dire for Mayfield and Carolina. The pair never gelled with one another. And following a host of Mayfield stinkers – the OU product went 1-5 during his time in Charlotte — he was waived.
Rams (2022)
Mayfield found a new home shortly after his midseason departure, joining the Rams to finish off the 2022 season. He impressed in Los Angeles' final five games, posting totals of 850 yards and four touchdowns for an injury-plagued Rams side.
Mayfield even captured NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors during his short spell in Tinseltown after leading Los Angeles to a comeback victory over the Raiders, a result rounded off by a 98-yard game-winning drive — made all the more impressive by the fact that the Rams had no timeouts when they started the possession.
Mayfield credits his time with Los Angeles as helping rekindle his passion for the sport.
“Going to L.A. for the last five games of the year was so unbelievable for me," Mayfield said, per Gulf Live. “It brought the fun back. When I’m having fun, talking trash, and enjoying it, like that’s when I’m my best. Yeah, I needed that."
Buccaneers (2023-present)
Mayfield agreed terms to a one-year, $4 million contract with the Buccaneers ahead of the 2023 season.
It was one of the best moves he's ever made. Mayfield enjoyed the best year of his career in 2023, earning Pro Bowl honors after recording 28 touchdowns while eclipsing the 4,000-yard mark. For his efforts, he was rewarded with a gaudy contract, one which will pay him up to $100 million over the course of three seasons.
Baker Mayfield NFL career earnings
Mayfield has accrued $85,256,674 to this point of his seven-year career.
That's a far cry from some of the league's wealthier talents, such as Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins and Matthew Stafford. Nonetheless, Mayfield has made himself a decent bit of coin, although his wobbles in Cleveland and Carolina prevented him from earning a little bit more.
Mayfield is still young, having just entered his age-29 season. His current deal only runs until 2027. And even that is malleable — if Mayfield keeps performing at a high level, it seems reasonable to believe Tampa would be willing to shell out even more money for a QB who will likely still be in his prime come the end of his current contract.
