The Baker Mayfield saga continues in Cleveland, and from what I’m hearing, it may drag on for a long time. As PFN first reported during an episode of Draft Insiders back in the middle of March, nothing was imminent regarding Mayfield’s departure from the Browns and any trade was not likely to occur until draft weekend. This possibility was cemented in stone once the Indianapolis Colts traded for Matt Ryan, the preferred destination for Mayfield.
And as PFN’s NFL Insider Aaron Wilson reported, there is still nothing imminent on Mayfield’s departure from the Browns as Cleveland’s phone lines are not burning up with interested suitors.
NFL News and Rumors: Seahawks and Panthers showing interest in Baker Mayfield?
Both the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers have an interest in Mayfield, though it must be classified as remote at this point and nothing is pending. Sources close to the situation tell me a trade to either of those teams likely wouldn’t happen until after the first round is completed next Thursday. If Mayfield is not traded by the time the 2022 NFL Draft is over, the quarterback and the Browns could be in for a long haul.
There are several sticking points in moving Mayfield, some obvious.
Mayfield’s price tag comes with what amounts to a one-year guaranteed salary of just under $19 million. Teams realize the Browns are boxed in a corner and have no leverage. Any team that trades for Mayfield would demand the Browns take on a large percentage of that guaranteed salary as part of the deal.
I’m also told teams around the league are in no mood to do the Browns any favors and take Mayfield off their hands after seeing the contract handed to Deshaun Watson by the franchise. The league’s other 31 teams realize the Watson contract broke the mold and is the shape of things to come. They realize if they are lucky enough to have a franchise quarterback, they will be required to offer those same types of guarantees, and possibly more, during contract renegotiations.
And what if August rolls around and the Browns still can’t move Mayfield? Would they keep him? Sources in the know tell me it’s very possible.
Roger Goodell has yet to announce the plans for league discipline against Watson, but people expect it’s going to be severe and extend at least six weeks. A scenario was laid out to me whereby if the Browns are unable to move Mayfield, they could conceivably keep him around as their starting quarterback during Watson’s suspension.
If that goes down, it would be one of the stranger stories of the 2022 season.
