Baker Mayfield Almost Joined AFC Contender Before Bucs Deal

WHO:

NBC Sports - Ken Zampese was reunited with Baker Mayfield this year, continuing their relationship that went well in the one year when they worked together.

NBC Sports - Ken Zampese was Mayfield’s position coach when he came off the bench to beat the Jets on September 20, 2018.

Heavy NFL - Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns head coach, admitted he thought he would coach Baker Mayfield in 2023 while he was the Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator.

NBC Sports - Ken Zampese, Buccaneers senior offensive assistant/pass game specialist, stated, "They had the guy and they gave him up," referring to Baker Mayfield.

Pro Football Network - Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Heavy NFL - Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns head coach, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator

WHAT:

NBC Sports - Zampese stated, "They had the guy and they gave him up," referring to Baker Mayfield's departure from the Browns.

NBC Sports - Zampese criticized the Browns' decision to trade Mayfield after they acquired Deshaun Watson, saying, "The script got flipped and the city came alive because they finally drafted a quarterback that worked out for them and they mucked it up."

NBC Sports - Zampese stated, "The year we were there, we were one of the best offenses in the NFL the second half of that season, 5-3, in a place that was -- before that season started -- 1-31."

NBC Sports - Zampese commented on the Browns' decision to trade Mayfield, saying, "They mucked it up."

Heavy NFL - The Baltimore Ravens believed they had a strong offer to sign Baker Mayfield during his free agency in 2023.

NBC Sports - Zampese noted that during the second half of the season when he coached Mayfield, the Browns had a record of 5-3 and were one of the best offenses in the NFL.

buccaneers.com - Baker Mayfield stated, "I think controlling who I am each and every day, trying to lead the best way possible and control the offense, and ultimately win," reflecting on his growth since being drafted by the Browns.

buccaneers.com - Mayfield noted that he threw for 27 touchdowns in his first year with the Browns and led the team to an 11-5 record in 2020, securing the franchise's first playoff win in over 25 years against the Steelers, with a score of 48-37.

buccaneers.com - Baker Mayfield stated that Week Two was circled on his 2026 calendar for the game against the Cleveland Browns, saying, "I think anytime there's history between a franchise, coaching staff, anybody, there's always…you want to come out on the winning side no matter what."

buccaneers.com - Mayfield reflected on his time with the Browns, noting, "A lot of good memories there, a lot of teammates that are friends for life."

Heavy NFL - Baker Mayfield will face the Cleveland Browns in Week 2, marking his first game as the Buccaneers' starting quarterback against the team that drafted him first overall.

Pro Football Network - Baker Mayfield almost signed with an AFC Super Bowl contender before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Heavy NFL - Todd Monken admitted he believed he would coach Baker Mayfield in 2023.

WHERE:

Heavy NFL - The potential signing was related to the Baltimore Ravens.

WHEN:

NBC Sports - Baker Mayfield's first game as the Buccaneers' starting quarterback against the Cleveland Browns is scheduled for Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season.

NBC Sports - Baker Mayfield's first game as the Buccaneers' starting quarterback against the Cleveland Browns is scheduled for September 20, 2026.

Heavy NFL - Baker Mayfield's first game as the Buccaneers' starting quarterback against the Cleveland Browns is scheduled for Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season.

Heavy NFL - Baker Mayfield was a free agent in 2023.

WHY:

NBC Sports - Zampese expressed that the Browns' decision to trade Mayfield was a significant mistake, indicating that they had a successful quarterback in him.

Heavy NFL - The Ravens thought they had a strong offer to sign Baker Mayfield.

HOW:

buccaneers.com - Mayfield emphasized the importance of being "very detail-oriented in his preparation" for the upcoming game against the Browns, focusing on "doing all the little things right."

buccaneers.com - Mayfield emphasized the importance of being "very detail-oriented in his preparation" for the upcoming game against the Browns.

Heavy NFL - Todd Monken's admission indicates discussions and negotiations regarding Baker Mayfield's potential signing.

Ken Zampese has reunited with Baker Mayfield this year, continuing their successful relationship from the past. Zampese criticized the Browns for trading Mayfield after acquiring Deshaun Watson, stating that they had a solid quarterback and suggesting they "mucked it up." Mayfield's first game as the Buccaneers' starting quarterback against the Cleveland Browns is set for Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season.