CLEVELAND — Baker Mayfield is no longer a member of the Cleveland Browns. But even after being traded to the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, the No. 1 pick of the 2018 NFL Draft won't have to wait long to see his former team.
In a twist of fate that almost seems like too rich of a storyline to be true, the Browns and Panthers are scheduled to play in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season. And while it still remains to be seen whether Mayfield will be able to beat out Sam Darnold and Matt Corral for the starting job in Carolina, Wednesday's trade has already shifted the betting line of the Week 1 matchup, with Cleveland going from being a 3.5-point favorite to a 1-point favorite, according to multiple sportsbooks.
While the Browns remain a favorite -- on the road, no less -- the betting line seems to reflect the likelihood that quarterback Deshaun Watson won't be playing in the game. Having been accused of sexual misconduct, including assault and harassment, by several women, the three-time Pro Bowl signal-caller is facing a potential suspension from the NFL with his disciplinary hearing with the league having concluded last week.
In the event that Watson is suspended, Jacoby Brissett is currently in line to be Cleveland's starting quarterback. Appearing 11 games with the Miami Dolphins last season, the seventh-year pro completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 1,283 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions while leading his team to a 2-3 record in five starts.