Baker Mayfield’s NFL journey has been marked by huge challenges in recent years, as the former No. 1 overall pick has navigated a career filled with fluctuating fortunes. After being selected by the Cleveland Browns as the top pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Mayfield’s career with the team quickly soured.
While his time with the Browns ended on a negative note, Mayfield took a moment on Tuesday to reflect on happier memories as he mourned the passing of his former teammate Chris Smith.
The Cleveland Browns also expressed their condolences following the news of Smith’s death, remembering the former defensive end who played for the team during the 2018 and 2019 seasons before being waived in December 2019.
Smith, who was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, played for several NFL teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, and Houston Texans, before joining the Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL. He passed away on April 17.
Mayfield, at 28 years old, has found a new opportunity as a starting quarterback with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after filling in admirably for the Los Angeles Rams during Matthew Stafford’s season-ending injury.
With the retirement of Tom Brady, Mayfield now aims to make the most of his fresh start with the Buccaneers.
