Baker Mayfield's Success with Buccaneers Raises Questions about Browns' Decision

As the Cleveland Browns struggled under Deshaun Watson, their former quarterback, Baker Mayfield, has found success with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, prompting questions about the Browns' decision to move on from him.

The Cleveland Browns' decision to replace Baker Mayfield with Deshaun Watson has been under scrutiny since Watson joined the team. While Watson has struggled in Cleveland, Mayfield has thrived with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading them to a 2-0 start in the 2024 season.

Baker Mayfield's Success with Buccaneers Raises Questions about Browns' Decision

On Sunday, Mayfield engineered a game-winning drive against the Detroit Lions, capping it off with an 11-yard rushing touchdown. He also threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Chris Godwin in the second quarter.

Mayfield's performance has been in stark contrast to Watson's in Cleveland. Watson has thrown for just 130 yards and an interception in two games, with no touchdowns. The Browns have been outscored 52-14 in those games.

Baker Mayfield's Success with Buccaneers Raises Questions about Browns' Decision

The question now is whether the Browns made the right decision in acquiring Watson and trading away Mayfield. Watson is a three-time Pro Bowler with a much higher ceiling than Mayfield, but his struggles so far have raised concerns about his ability to lead the Browns to success.

Mayfield, on the other hand, has proven to be a capable quarterback in Tampa Bay. He has thrown for 345 yards and two touchdowns in two games, with one interception. The Buccaneers are 2-0 with Mayfield under center.

Baker Mayfield's Success with Buccaneers Raises Questions about Browns' Decision

Of course, it's still early in the season, and it's possible that Watson will turn things around in Cleveland. However, Mayfield's success in Tampa Bay is a reminder that the Browns may have made a mistake in giving up on him.

Mayfield was a solid quarterback for the Browns, leading them to a playoff berth in 2020. He also showed signs of improvement in 2021 before suffering a season-ending injury.

The Browns may have been tempted to upgrade at quarterback by acquiring Watson, but it's clear that Mayfield is still a capable starter. If the Browns continue to struggle with Watson, they may come to regret their decision to move on from Mayfield.

In the meantime, Mayfield will continue to try to prove his worth in Tampa Bay. If he can continue to play at a high level, he could make the Buccaneers a legitimate contender in the NFC.

And if that happens, the Browns may be left wondering what could have been.