Baker Mayfield is no stranger to controversy. His bravado often rubs people the wrong way. Whether it is yelling at Baylor players before the game that “he was their daddy and going to give them a spanking,” sparring with reporters about their motives, or grabbing his crotch and flicking off fans, Mayfield is a polarizing individual. Maturity and leadership concerns quickly waned, however, as he found early success as a rookie and then two years later led the Browns to their first playoff victory since 1994. As of late, his reputation has again suffered as his reputation with the Cleveland Browns deteriorated and, most notably, as Odell Beckham, Jr’s dad, openly attacked Mayfield’s competence on social media. Beckham used his dad’s jump-cut video editing skills to force his way out of Cleveland. Things only got worse as Mayfield pushed for a contract extension while the Browns leaked concerns about his maturity and then openly courted the controversial Deshaun Waston. Words like toxic, immature, and average have entered the typical dialogue regarding Mayfield.
Yesterday, the Carolina Panthers dealt a conditional fifth-round 2024 draft pick to the Cleveland Browns for Mayfield, and in less than 24 hours into Carolina, Mayfield has already sparked controversy. What will his jersey number be?
Hopefully, you can tell that this piece is a bit tongue in cheek. However, it looks as if much of the concerns about Mayfield’s attitude and leadership abilities are mainly overblown and partly manufactured by groups with their interests (i.e., Odell Beckham, who was fighting his way out of Cleveland and the Browns who were courting a quarterback with 24 pending civil lawsuits).
Regardless of the merits of this criticism, Mayfield is a polarizing player. There is a large scope of beliefs concerning his abilities as a player and his character as a leader. Panther fans have willingly embraced the debate, arguing vehemently the merits of the trade and the potential for his success in Carolina.
A big winner in the Baker Mayfield trade? Panthers punter Johnny Hekker, who currently has the No. 6 jersey.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) July 6, 2022
Fans have now turned their attention to the jersey number Mayfield will wear in Carolina. Mayfield’s traditional #6 is currently held by punter Johnny Hekker. The Athletic’s Joe Person suggested this could mean a payday for Hekker if Mayfield wants to hold onto his traditional number. Some fans have taunted those religious to Cam Newton, noting that #1 is available. Mayfield’s high school #11 may come available soon if the Panthers cut PJ Walker in the wake of the trade. Quarterback Davis Cheek’s #4 will also be open at any moment. There’s one available number this author believes Mayfield needs to adopt, #13! Some may say it’s unlucky, but I think it is perfect for Mayfield. Call it the Baker’s dozen!
What number do you think Mayfield should adorn? Are you in favor of this trade? We’d love to hear from you!
By Tony Dunn
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