Earlier this offseason, Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield made it clear that he wants to continue his NFL career elsewhere.
Beyond that, since the Browns have now committed to Deshaun Watson as their quarterback of the future, Mayfield is quite expendable.
Despite that, a recent report from Jeff Howe of The Athletic indicates that little movement has occurred in regards to a potential deal involving the former No. 1 overall pick.
“There’s still nothing imminent on the Baker Mayfield trade front, according to a source,” Howe wrote. “It wouldn’t be a surprise if this drags out until after the draft.
“Even though the [Seattle] Seahawks have been viewed as a plausible landing spot, a front-runner has not emerged at this point. The biggest holdup appears to be Mayfield’s contract.
“Mayfield, who is still recovering from left shoulder surgery, is on the books for a fully guaranteed $18.858 million in 2022, but it’s becoming increasingly likely the Browns will have to pay a portion of that salary to move the quarterback. As inquiring teams have angled for leverage in that regard, the process has remained in neutral for the time being.”
It’s been a surprising fall from grace for Mayfield in Cleveland. After a decent first three seasons in his career, he put up a fairly disappointing display last season. He played in 14 games while throwing for 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
During the 2020 season, he threw for 3,563 yards, 26 touchdowns and just eight picks. He also led the Browns to an 11-5 record in one of their most exciting seasons in recent memory.
For Mayfield to be seen as somewhat radioactive at the moment is surprising. That is especially true as numerous teams still look for solutions at the quarterback position.
Surely, Mayfield will find a new home eventually. However, based on the lack of interest league-wide, it does not seem as though he will join a new team as the assumed starter. Instead, he will probably have to earn a starting job.
A change of scenery could do Mayfield some good. Browns fans tend to turn on quarterbacks fairly quickly.
Only time will tell if he can get back to the success he enjoyed back in the 2020 season or if that was just a flash in the pan.
