The Cleveland Browns are searching for a potential trade suitor for Baker Mayfield after they acquired Deshaun Watson in a blockbuster deal last week, but it is possible they may not find one.
There are very few — if any — teams interested in Mayfield. The former first overall pick is in the final year of his rookie deal, and he is set to earn a whopping $18.8 million next season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said Monday that one team told the Browns they would need to receive a draft pick in any potential deal for Mayfield just to take on the quarterback’s contract.
"The Browns had conversation with team about Baker [Mayfield] and the team asked for a pick from the Browns to take Mayfield’s contract." – @AdamSchefter
Added: "If anyone thinks they're going to get a high premium pick for Baker Mayfield they're mistaken." pic.twitter.com/0orQ4l3zvG
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 21, 2022
Mayfield publicly demanded a trade just before the Browns landed Watson. He was said to have strong interest in the Indianapolis Colts, but they traded for Matt Ryan on Monday. The Atlanta Falcons then immediately signed Marcus Mariota, so they already have their Ryan replacement.
The New Orleans Saints were another team that missed out in the Watson sweepstakes, but they re-signed Jameis Winston on Monday. Other than the Seattle Seahawks, there isn’t a team in the NFL left with a clear need for a starting quarterback. Jimmy Garoppolo is also still available, which further hurts Mayfield’s value.
Mayfield obviously isn’t going to stay with the Browns as a backup. He made it clear when he requested a trade that the relationship between him and the team is in a bad place. Teams know that, which is why Cleveland has almost no leverage. The Browns are unlikely to release Mayfield and eat a ton of money, but trading him is not going to be easy.
Photo: Nov 21, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) walks off the field after the Browns beat the Detroit Lions at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
