Baker Mayfield wants out but the Cleveland Browns are standing firm. After taking in Deshaun Watson, pundits see the 27-year-old quarterback as someone who will be moving soon and there are sensible landing spots.
Two teams linked to the former Heisman Trophy winner are the Seattle Seahawks and the Carolina Panthers. But the main problem is Mayfield’s salary. The Browns are not willing to absorb part of the $18.858 million salary that he is due.
In a report from Jeff Howe of The Athletic, there had been progressing in negotiations between the Panthers and the Browns, especially after Carolina ended up trading Matt Corral. This move sparked the belief that the Panthers could seriously pursue the top pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.
In all, both the Panthers and the Seahawks have allegedly not given up trying to acquire Mayfield. But this can only succeed if the Browns get a good offer from either team.
But the real issue is the salary where the Browns would have to take up part of Mayfield’s pay. The last time Cleveland did it was when the Browns received a second-round pick from the Houston Texans in exchange for absorbing Brock Osweiler's $16 million onto their books.
It may take time before Mayfield’s fate is determined. Even with Watson joining the team, Mayfield is still projected to be the team’s starting QB if the three-time Pro Bowler is suspended under the personal conduct policy in the wake of him being accused by 20-plus women of sexual misconduct.
It would be an awkward predicament for the Browns considering Mayfield is undoubtedly unhappy. It would be a huge risk on their part to pin their hopes on Mayfield who could play half-heartedly.
Hence, any trade is possible although this may carry on until the early goings of the 2022-23 NFL season.
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