Following four up and down seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Baker Mayfield was traded away to the Carolina Panthers after his former team took a shot at Deshaun Watson despite the looming suspension hanging over his head.
With former judge Sue Robinson handing down a six-game suspension on Watson, it was natural that reporters would be curious as to what Mayfield’s thoughts were on his former team. When pressed about Watson’s suspension on Monday, Mayfield completely dismissed the question, citing that it’s “none of his business.”
“Honestly, it’s none of my business,” Mayfield said, per David Newton, ESPN. “I don’t play against the other quarterback. I know it’s the most cliché thing to say, but that’s just the truth.”
Baker Mayfield on Deshaun Watson suspension: “I’m paid to play quarterback (in Carolina),” not weigh in on decisions elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/cXfKuJK4F7
— Joe Person (@josephperson) August 1, 2022
Watson’s situation is the least of Mayfield’s worries. He is currently embarked on a quarterback battle with Sam Darnold, splitting first-team reps so far after a week of camp.
Despite his status as the starter being up in the air, Mayfield says he appreciates the transparency of the Panthers’ coaching staff.
“Everything has been extremely transparent,” he said, per Darin Gantt, Panthers.com. “They’re telling us exactly how they’re handling it. It’s not being said to one person, and Sam hears another thing; it’s right there in front of us and clear and concise.
For me, it’s obviously not second nature yet, but I’m trying to make those steps toward you learn the reads well enough to where it’s a reaction to get through the progressions and knowing where to go,” Mayfield added. “Last week was definitely slower than I would like it to be, but that’s to be expected. Looking to make some steps this week with repeated calls and get better.”
Although things got rough at the tail end of his tenure in Cleveland, Mayfield led the Browns to a playoff victory in 2020 — the first time since 1994 and their first playoff appearance since 2007.
In 14 games last season, Mayfield threw 3,010 passing yards, 17 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions in what was an injury-riddled year.
