Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Baker Mayfield

How Baker Mayfield built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Baker Mayfield is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He gained prominence playing college football for Texas Tech and Oklahoma, notably winning the Heisman Trophy in 2017 as the first walk-on player to achieve this honor. Mayfield was subsequently drafted first overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has since played for multiple teams in the NFL, continuing his career as a quarterback.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1994: Playoff Victory

Mayfield's 2020 season also marked the Browns' first playoff victory since 1994.

1999: Kingsbury Named Freshman of the Week

In 1999, Kliff Kingsbury was named Big 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Week as a freshman Texas Tech quarterback, the first since Baker Mayfield.

1999: Browns' Return to NFL

In 1999, the Cleveland Browns returned to the NFL, since then Mayfield became the 30th starting quarterback for the Browns.

2002: Playoff Appearance

Mayfield's 2020 season marked the Browns' first playoff appearance since 2002.

2011: Won State Championship

In 2011, Baker Mayfield won the 4A State Championship while playing for Lake Travis High School.

August 24, 2015: Named Starting Quarterback

On August 24, 2015, Baker Mayfield was named the starting quarterback for the Oklahoma Sooners.

September 6, 2015: First Start Against Akron

On September 6, 2015, Baker Mayfield started his first game for the Oklahoma Sooners against Akron, totaling 388 passing yards and three touchdowns.

2015: First Away Win Since 2015

Baker Mayfield led the Cleveland Browns to their first away win since 2015, against the Cincinnati Bengals. He completed 19 of 26 passes for 258 yards and four touchdowns.

2017: Heisman Trophy Winner

In 2017, Baker Mayfield won the Heisman Trophy while playing college football for the Oklahoma Sooners. He was the first walk-on player to ever win the award in 2017.

July 24, 2018: Signed Rookie Contract with Browns

On July 24, 2018, Baker Mayfield signed a four-year rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns, worth $32.68 million in guaranteed salary.

2018: Drafted First Overall

In 2018, Baker Mayfield was selected first overall by the Cleveland Browns in the NFL draft.

2019: Mayfield's 2019 Season

In 2019, Mayfield finished the season with 3,827 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions, leading the Browns to a 6–10 record.

2020: Led Browns to Playoffs

In 2020, Baker Mayfield led the Cleveland Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2002 and their first playoff victory since 1994.

2020: Browns clinch first winning season since 2007

In 2020, Mayfield's strong performance, including four first-half touchdowns against the Titans, led the Browns to a 9–3 record, clinching their first winning season since 2007.

2020: Mayfield's 2020 Season Performance

Overall, Mayfield concluded the 2020 season with 4,030 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and nine interceptions throughout 18 games.

April 23, 2021: Browns Exercise Mayfield's Contract Option

On April 23, 2021, the Browns exercised Mayfield's fifth-year contract option for the 2022 season, guaranteeing him $18.9 million.

July 6, 2022: Mayfield Traded to the Panthers

On July 6, 2022, Mayfield was traded to the Carolina Panthers for a 2024 conditional fifth-round draft pick.

August 22, 2022: Mayfield Named Week 1 Starter for Panthers

On August 22, 2022, Mayfield was named the Week 1 starter for the Carolina Panthers.

December 5, 2022: Mayfield Released by the Panthers

On December 5, 2022, after a 1-5 record, Mayfield requested and was granted his release from the Carolina Panthers.

December 6, 2022: Mayfield Claimed by the Rams and Leads Game-Winning Drive

On December 6, 2022, Mayfield was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams and, despite having only two days to learn the playbook, led a 98-yard, game-winning drive, the longest touchdown drive of his career.

2022: Traded from Cleveland

In 2022, Baker Mayfield was traded from the Cleveland Browns due to performance decline and conflict with management, spending the year with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams.

2022: Mayfield Requests Trade from Browns

In the 2022 offseason, after the Browns acquired Deshaun Watson, Mayfield requested a trade from the team.

March 15, 2023: Mayfield Signed by the Buccaneers

On March 15, 2023, Mayfield signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to compete for the starting quarterback position following Tom Brady's retirement after the 2022 NFL season.

2023: Joined Buccaneers

In the 2023 season, Baker Mayfield joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and led them to two consecutive division titles and a playoff victory, earning Pro Bowl honors and setting career highs.

March 10, 2024: Mayfield Signs Contract Extension with Buccaneers

On March 10, 2024, Mayfield signed a three-year contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers worth up to $100 million, with $50 million guaranteed.