It is no secret that the Cleveland Browns do not view Baker Mayfield as part of their long-term future, but they may be prepared to wait a while before parting ways with the former first overall pick.
The Browns plan to be patient with the Mayfield situation, according to USA Today’s Josina Anderson. They obviously would prefer to trade Mayfield after acquiring Deshaun Watson, but they are not opposed to doing so after the start of the 2022 season.
While anything can happen my understanding is the #Browns currently plan a patient approach w/ Baker Mayfield's situation. It's also entirely possible they enter the regular season with Mayfield still on the roster & in position to suit up pending Deshaun Watson's playing status.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 29, 2022
2/2 The #Browns are budgeted for Mayfield's 5th-yr option salary of $18.8M w/ Watson on the team. Mechanically this means the team is artfully in position to leverage his presence on the roster for a longer window. Meanwhile, Mayfield's not in position to protest in a good light.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 29, 2022
Mayfield probably wants out of Cleveland as soon as possible. He publicly requested a trade even before the Browns landed Watson. The problem is there are not many teams that are in need of a starting quarterback, let alone one who has been as inconsistent as Mayfield. The Browns also have very little leverage due to the nature of the situation.
There is reportedly one big reason that teams do not want to give up much for Mayfield. The Browns are probably willing to wait until at least after the draft to move Mayfield, though Mayfield may try to pressure them to trade him sooner.
If Mayfield and the Browns work together, an injury or two may create a stronger market for the QB. There has been some talk about Cleveland keeping Mayfield into the regular season in case Watson is suspended. It seems unlikely that Baker would be open to that arrangement.
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
