Every season in Cleveland starts with the same haunting question: Who’s going to be the guy? The quarterback who finally breaks the cycle of false starts, crushed dreams, and headlines that sting just as much years later.
For Baker Mayfield, the former face of the franchise, that question isn’t his burden anymore.
What Did Baker Mayfield Say About Cleveland’s QB Situation?
“Not my problem anymore,” Mayfield said with a wry smile on “New Heights,” the popular podcast hosted by Travis and Jason Kelce. “Listen, I plead the fifth. When I was healthy, I was starting to get pretty damn good there.”
The response felt exactly like something you’d expect from someone who lived through the complete emotional roller coaster. Playing hurt, snapping a postseason drought, then getting pushed aside. Mayfield was always proud in Cleveland, never pretending to be perfect. He took pride in what he helped build and gave the city something to believe in, even if it didn’t last.
Mayfield powered that 2020 squad that shocked the Steelers in the playoffs. He wasn’t just the quarterback; he was the symbol of change. But everything collapsed quickly after that. The Browns started looking elsewhere after his struggles on the field with a damaged labrum in 2021. When they traded for Deshaun Watson, it felt personal. No phone call, no meeting, no heads up for Mayfield. Nothing.
Fast forward a few years, and he’s thriving in Tampa Bay with a career resurgence and a chip on his shoulder the size of Lake Erie. Meanwhile, Cleveland is right back where they started.
How Does Cleveland’s Current QB Room Compare to Mayfield’s Success?
Training camp in 2025 has that familiar feel. Joe Flacco is back for another ride, Kenny Pickett wants to rewrite his story, and Rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel are fighting to make their mark in the chaos. The room is packed, but something still feels missing.
Mayfield’s comments weren’t laced with bitterness, just raw honesty. They came from someone who understands what it means to pour everything into something and still fall short of what the decision-makers wanted. While the Browns keep spinning their wheels trying to find stability at the most critical position in football, Mayfield watches from afar, quietly succeeding.
He’s moved forward. The Browns? They’re still stuck in the same cycle, hoping the next guy finally breaks through.
