Former teammate dispels myths about Baker Mayfield

After four relatively unsuccessful seasons leading the Cleveland Browns, quarterback Baker Mayfield has gained an unflattering reputation as a bust who is disliked by his teammates. However, a former teammate recently came to Mayfield's aid, dispelling the criticisms he's endured. 

Two-time Pro Bowler Austin Hooper said on Thursday's "Jim Rome Show" that Mayfield has gotten a bad wrap since his trade out of Cleveland last July. 

"Everything that came out about him, it was nothing from guys on the team," Hooper said. "Once the decision was made, certain people within the building had to justify their decision - that's all I'm going to say on that piece, but he's never had any issues with anyone in the locker room." 

After the Browns acquired Deshaun Watson in a trade with the Houston Texans last offseason, the writing was on the wall for Mayfield in Cleveland. Before training camp, the Browns traded Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers, where he started six games before being released in December. The Los Angeles Rams claimed Mayfield a day later, starting him for the final four games of the 2022 season. 

Hooper said Mayfield is a "great teammate" and was happy to see him get another opportunity with the Rams late last year. 

"He's the type of dude that can hop in and assimilate with any locker room," Hooper said. "Fun spirit, works hard. He'll chirp a little bit, but that's a part of it, and that's why guys love him. He's not a robot. He's a real person."

Mayfield went 2-8 as a starter in 2022 while splitting time with the Panthers and Rams. He threw for 2,163 yards with 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions. 

In March, Mayfield signed a one-year, $4M contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to compete with former second-round pick Kyle Trask for the starting gig.