Four years after the Browns made him the first pick in the draft, Baker Mayfield sounds like he played his last game in Cleveland on Thursday as well. requested an exchange. To make things even more interesting, the Browns reportedly not going to provideMayfield’s request. The whole drama began when the Browns began chasing the embattled Texan star Deshawn Watson in a potential trade.
Mayfield’s trade would have saved the Browns $18.8 million, assuming the acquiring team absorbed his entire contract. Despite his uneven resume, he will most likely still get decent compensation. His numbers suggest he’s an average QB and a solid 2022 record could land him a lucrative long-term deal, but he’s also young (26) with a lot of starting experience, including during the playoffs, and on the relevant price in the last year of his transaction.
Which teams, however, might be really interested? Here are six potential suitors:
Yes, they already have Jared Goff, their own former No. 1 pick turned rogue, holding the fort in QB until a better one arrives. But Mayfield is younger, cheaper and arguably more enduring under center – a tough guy worthy of coach Dan Campbell. They can save $10 million by scheduling Goff release after June 1st. And senior executive John Dorsey was the Browns’ general manager when Mayfield took first place overall. His arrival won’t stop them from going to QB in the draft.
If they skip Watson, they may prefer the slightly higher floor of Mayfield(?) to cheaper free agent alternatives like Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota, not to mention potential investment in an early round draft. But it seems much more likely that they will take the risk with these other options.
4. Houston Texans
This is apparently based on Houston ratting out Watson to the Browns. Otherwise, Texans will probably choose to simply take advantage of 2021 third-place finisher Davis Mills and/or cheaper insurance. Mayfield will at least compete with veteran new coach Lovie Smith for the Mills, if not a potential long-term successor. And if they move Watson, they can certainly afford Mayfield as a salary roll.
3. Carolina Panthers
Looks like they’re all in Watson, the supposed panacea for a lot of QB misfires since Matt Rule’s arrival. It goes without saying that if they don’t catch a big fish, they will turn to the draft where they can buy more time for the current regime with their own draft. Yet owner David Tepper is perhaps more desperate for a QB than anyone. With over $30 million in cap, they could see Mayfield as a more proven version of Sam Darnold’s game and still use QB in the draft.
Can’t you imagine how Pete Carroll talks himself into this? After the deal with franchise great Russell Wilson, Seattle has a huge hole in the center, no matter how much the team supports the acquisition of Drew Lock. With almost $40 million under the ceiling, they could easily take the yearly flyer at Mayfield, give themselves a decent point guard for Carroll’s approach, and then re-evaluate in 2023. Baker’s arrival won’t stop them from making QB. too early.
This is the team closest to disagreeing with no clear answer in QB since the Carson Wentz trade. Kirk Cousins would be a reasonable play and Derek Carr would still be preferred, though he doesn’t seem to be available. Jordan Love would also make a sharp bet. But they don’t have many other options besides the ever-spoiled Jimmy Garoppolo or the overpriced Matt Ryan. Meanwhile, Mayfield has proven he can win by running, which is what the Colts are built for. Unlike Jimmy G, he at least offers a long-term perspective. And they have free ceiling space ($54.7 million) to make it work.