Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive assistant coach Ken Zampese has publicly criticized the Cleveland Browns for their decision to trade quarterback Baker Mayfield in 2022, calling the move a massive miscalculation by the franchise. Zampese, who served as Mayfield’s quarterback coach during his standout rookie season with the Browns in 2018, reunited with the signal-caller in Tampa Bay. Looking back at Mayfield’s turbulent departure from Cleveland, Zampese emphasized that the front office gave up on a proven leader far too quickly.
The connection between Zampese and Mayfield dates back to 2018, when Cleveland selected the Heisman Trophy winner with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. Under Zampese’s guidance, Mayfield enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign, setting a then-NFL rookie record with 27 touchdown passes in just 14 starts. The quarterback quickly became the face of a revitalized franchise, eventually leading the Browns to their first playoff victory in 26 years during the 2020 season. Despite showing immense toughness while playing through a severe shoulder injury in 2021, Mayfield fell out of favor with Cleveland’s leadership, setting the stage for his exit.
In the spring of 2022, the Browns decided to pursue a radical change at the position, acquiring Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans and signing him to a fully guaranteed $230 million contract. With Watson in place, Cleveland traded Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers for a conditional fifth-round pick, selling low on a player who had brought the franchise back to relevance. That gamble by the Browns has faced intense scrutiny, as Watson’s tenure in Cleveland has been heavily impacted by suspensions, injuries, and inconsistent play. Meanwhile, Zampese noted that the organization’s decision to sever ties with Mayfield was a glaring mistake that overlooked the quarterback’s innate competitive drive.
Following a difficult stint in Carolina and a brief, impressive stretch with the Los Angeles Rams, Mayfield found a true football home with the Buccaneers in 2023. Stepping into the void left by the retired Tom Brady, Mayfield enjoyed a career-best season in Tampa Bay, throwing for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns while earning his first Pro Bowl selection. He guided the Buccaneers to an NFC South division title and a dominant playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. His sensational turnaround earned him a lucrative three-year, $100 million contract extension with Tampa Bay prior to the 2024 season.
Now reunited with Zampese on the Buccaneers staff, Mayfield has silenced his critics while showing the resilience that made him a top pick in the first place. Zampese praised Mayfield’s evolution as both a passer and a locker room commander, expressing gratitude that their coaching relationship has come full circle. As the Buccaneers continue to flourish with Mayfield at the helm, Cleveland’s decision to trade away their former franchise quarterback remains one of the most second-guessed front-office moves in recent NFL history.
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