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Bucs' Zampese: Browns Had QB1 in Mayfield, 'Mucked It Up'
WHY IT MATTERS
The Browns' decision to trade away Mayfield has been a subject of debate, with some questioning whether it was a turning point in the team's fortunes, potentially altering the course of their recent seasons.
What happened
Buccaneers assistant coach Ken Zampese believes the Browns made a critical mistake by trading away quarterback Baker Mayfield in 2018. As Mayfield's QB coach with the Browns in 2018, Zampese thinks Cleveland had their starting quarterback and failed to capitalize on it.
The Browns had a clear choice in Mayfield, who was their QB1 at the time, but ultimately 'mucked it up' by trading him away. Zampese's comments come as a reflection on the team's decision-making process during that time.
The Browns' choice to trade Mayfield has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts, with some arguing that it was a pivotal moment in the team's history.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Bucs' Zampese: Browns had their QB1 in Mayfield and 'mucked it up'
ESPN · Jenna Laine · Discovery only; ESPN copyright terms apply
CORRECTIONS & UPDATES
- Revision 1 · Initial ingestion · Sep 16, 2026, 11:30 PM
- Revision 2 · Source update detected · Sep 16, 2026, 11:30 PM
- Revision 3 · Source update detected · Sep 16, 2026, 11:30 PM