The Cleveland Browns are not going to get everything they want in regards to the impending trade of Baker Mayfield.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Tuesday on Get Up that the situation is “being slow-played around the league.” The reason is that teams want the Browns to either pick up some of Baker’s $18.8 million salary for next season in a potential deal, or are willing to wait and see if Cleveland releases the former No. 1 pick outright.
Fowler described some executives around the league as “shocked” at how little movement there has been. One general manager told Fowler that the Browns should just keep Mayfield for now in case another team loses a quarterback to an injury.
After trading for Deshaun Watson, the team likely thought they would find an easy trade partner for QB-needy teams, but the entire league knows they want to get rid of him and aren’t willing to trade multiple assets for a QB that they very well may cut from the roster.
The 26-year-old has played well enough to remain a starter in the NFL, and he’s young enough to still be a potential long-term solution under center.
Mayfield enters his fifth season looking to answer questions about his play and health after a trying 2021 season. He amassed 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
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