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3 reasons Baker Mayfield situation could ruin the 2022 season

By Greg Newland

Oct 17, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio (75) listens to a call by quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio (75) listens to a call by quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns swung for the fences by trading for Deshaun Watson. But, the way they’ve handled Baker Mayfield could destroy the 2022 season.

As we start the month of July things still are unclear for the Cleveland Browns when it comes to their starting quarterback. They finally were able to find a new home for Baker Mayfield in Carolina, but the other option is facing civil lawsuits.

Time will tell if Andrew Berry’s gamble on Deshaun Watson will pay off, but I’m also concerned about the backlash of the Baker Mayfield situation as well. Here are 3 reasons the entire situation could ruin the 2022 season for the Browns.

3 reasons the Baker Mayfield situation could ruin the 2022 season

Baker Mayfield
Jul 26, 2019; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens (left) talks with general manager John Dorsey during training camp at the Cleveland Browns Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Reason Mayfield could ruin season No. 3 – Poor locker-room culture

I wouldn’t have been a believer in the past if you told me an NFL locker room culture was a determining factor for a team. I previously believed that grown men could get over any disagreements and do what’s best for the team to win the game.

After the Freddie Kitchens and Odell Beckham drama the last couple of years, we have all seen exactly what it can do. A locker room that’s not clicking on all cylinders will struggle on the field as a unit and that can lead to not meeting expectations.

Berry handled this the right way by excusing Mayfield from mandatory activities, but there is no doubt he is the talk of the locker room.  Getting back a fifth-round pick in 2024 and still having to pay over half of his 2022 salary is painful, but the sooner he was gone, the less chance of ruining the locker room.

My question is, has the damage been done? Even with Mayfield gone, will this locker room be able to move on, especially factoring in the Watson off-field concerns?

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