Ex-Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has a deal with Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reports say

There’s no getting around it.

Former Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has to be given credit for his willingness to walk into a hornet’s nest – potentially – to reclaim his stalled NFL career.

Mayfield, 27, has had quite the NFL journey. The former No. 1 overall draft pick by the Browns was eventually traded to Carolina, who ultimately cut him. He seemingly landed on his feet with the Los Angeles Rams last season.

Now Mayfield will sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as Tom Brady’s potential successor, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The deal will pay up to $8.5 million.

Say what you will, but walking in those shoes takes supreme confidence.

He will arrive with weapons at the wide receiver position in Chris Godwin and Mike Evans (for now?) and the defense should still be in good shape to keep the Buccaneers in games.

This is essentially a prove-it contract for Mayfield that gives him a shot at redemption. What are the Buccaneers likely hoping for? Rookie season and playoff year Baker Mayfield, who seemed to play confidently and within the offense.

His tenure at Carolina was marred by inconsistency and injury before he finally was released. The Rams, looking for someone to finish out the season in the place of an injured Matthew Stafford, signed him and Mayfield went 1-3 as a starter.

Mayfield is 31-38 as a starter and has connected on 61 percent of passes with 102 touchdowns and 64 interceptions in his career.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Former Browns QB Baker Mayfield reaches deal with Buccaneers