Baker Mayfield reportedly has strong interest in AFC team

Baker Mayfield formally requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, and the quarterback may have a specific destination in mind.

Mayfield no longer wants to play for the Browns after they pursued a trade for Deshaun Watson and other star quarterbacks this offseason. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Mayfield has “strong interest” in the Indianapolis Colts.

Baker Mayfield has strong interest in the #Colts as a potential destination should he be traded from the #Browns, per source.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 17, 2022

Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network also reported earlier in the week that Indianapolis would be Mayfield’s preferred landing spot if the Browns trade him.

The Browns have said they will not accommodate Mayfield’s trade request, but that is likely just a matter of leverage. There have been numerous signs that they no longer believe in the former first overall pick. Cleveland’s brass likely wants rival teams to think they are committed to Mayfield in an attempt to protect his trade value.

The Colts are searching for a new QB after they traded Carson Wentz to Washington. Mayfield probably wouldn’t be much of an upgrade over Wentz, though Indy may feel a fresh start would serve Baker well.

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