Ravens' Marlon Humphrey thought Panthers' Baker Mayfield would be with Browns 'for life'

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey remains surprised he'll be facing Baker Mayfield as a member of the Carolina Panthers rather than of the Cleveland Browns. 

"I did think Baker would be a Brownie for life, so it will be a little different seeing those colors," Humphrey admitted ahead of Sunday's clash between the 3-7 Panthers and 6-3 Ravens, as shared by Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "I thought the Lamar [Jackson], Baker thing would be a long time. So, him in the baby blue and white, it’s going to be different.

"But I’m sure he’ll still be the same feisty Baker that will … If he throws one on you, he’ll let you know, so I do like that about Baker. He has a lot of confidence in himself, and I’m sure he’ll be ready to lead that team." 

Cleveland made Mayfield the first overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, while the Ravens acquired Jackson via the No. 32 selection of that same player-selection process. The Browns replaced Mayfield atop their depth chart with Deshaun Watson this past March and then shipped the 27-year-old to the Panthers in July, and Mayfield will start Sunday's game against Baltimore amid a tumultuous season. 

Thus far, Mayfield has lost four of five starts, missed time with an ankle injury, and watched as P.J. Walker became Carolina's QB1 until Walker went down with a high ankle sprain. Despite such struggles, Humphrey sounds convinced he could soon see the version of Mayfield who helped the Browns defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers in a January 2021 playoff game. 

"He still slings it when he gets the opportunity, and he’s a guy that really trusts his arm," Humphrey added about Mayfield. "That’s what you can still see from the games he’s played this year. So, in the back end, we’ll for sure have to be ready, because I’ve been on the opposing end when he’s lit us up. So, if we can limit him, I think we’ll be able to do pretty well." 

As ESPN's David Newton pointed out, Mayfield may find himself playing for the Carolina starting job and even a place on the roster against Baltimore.