It seems like the Browns are on the outs with their former franchise quarterback, and here are four potential landing spots for the former first overall pick.
After reports surfaced that the Browns were attempting to trade for Deshaun Watson, Baker Mayfield promptly responded by saying he was unclear what his future was with the team.
He later requested a trade, and while reports are the Browns won’t grant him that wish, there is a good chance he finds himself on the move this offseason. If he is traded, these are the four teams that make the most sense to add him.
Detroit Lions should call about Baker Mayfield
This would be a sleeper team of the four listed, as it seems like the Lions are relatively content with their slower-paced rebuild. Even if they have to roll with Jared Goff another year, Detroit seems like they want to be focused on building through the draft. That said, Baker Mayfield is a step up from Goff and the Lions could pull the trigger if they aren’t in love with any of the quarterbacks in this draft class.
The deal wouldn’t involve the number two pick, but considering Detroit owns the last pick in the first round as well as an early second-round pick, one of those could be a part of a deal. As well, Goff himself could find himself inserted into the deal.
Again, the Lions seem like they are content on their current pace. If they did really like Mayfield though, they could easily swing a trade with him.
Browns could trade with the Colts
I think in a perfect world, this deal makes the most sense. The Colts shipped off Carson Wentz earlier in the offseason and are without a first-round pick and a quarterback right now. Mayfield has his issues, but he would go to an offense built similarly to the one he had in Cleveland.
The Colts boast a strong line as well as a potent running game. Add in their mix of receivers and Indianapolis would be a decent landing spot.
The biggest issue with them is that they are in the AFC with the Browns. While not division rivals, the teams will interact with each other far more often than an NFC team. This may deter Cleveland from making a deal with the Colts, or it may cause them to bump up the asking price.
The Colts aren’t exactly flush with draft picks right now either, so it may be a harder deal for them to swing.
Ultimately, it may require them to package a player and a pick to the Browns for Mayfield’s service. Considering how similar these offenses are, Mayfield feels like a natural pick to be a part of the Colts.
The AFC connection is arguably the biggest thing keeping these two sides apart. Keep an eye on Indianapolis though, as they should have an obvious interest in Mayfield.
Browns could trade with the Panthers for Baker Mayfield
Another quarterback-needy team, the Panthers will almost certainly make a splash this offseason and land a top quarterback. It seems like Matt Rhule may need it, as he seems to be on the outs with Carolina and if the success doesn’t get much better this season, he could be fired. Sam Darnold didn’t cut it last season, and a trade for Mayfield could be on the table if they aren’t in love with any of the rookies.
The Panthers boast a strong receiving corps and a developing defense to rely on. Add in the dynamic (when healthy) Christian McCaffrey and you have the makings of a potent team. The issue was their quarterback play last season, as Darnold faltered down the stretch.
The Panthers know they need a quarterback now, so a trade for Mayfield should be on the table.
The base of the deal seems pretty obvious right now. The two teams could swap first-round picks and quarterbacks at a minimum. The Panthers move back in the draft but have their quarterback figured out.
The Browns move up and can either role with Darnold for a yar or target a rookie. These two teams should be linked in trade talks, as a deal would make a lot of sense for both sides.
Browns could trade Baker Mayfield to the Seahawks
The team that will likely be most heavily discussed, the Seahawks dealt their franchise quarterback to the Broncos this offseason and currently have Drew Lock penciled in to start. While that situation will almost certainly change in the coming weeks, Seattle may want a veteran quarterback that can play now. They won’t be able to get that in the draft.
While it looked like the Seahawks were preparing for a full-blown rebuild after cutting Bobby Wagner and trading Russell Wilson, they have calmed down on the big moves. It now seems like a good quarterback could set them back up to be a decent team. They may have their target in the draft, but if they are at all unsure, Mayfield could make a lot of sense.
Flush with early and mid-picks now, the Seahawks should have plenty of capital to throw in a deal for Mayfield. As well, they could add a player in the deal to sweeten the pot. Don’t be surprised if Drew Lock is moved again if Mayfield were added. Both sides could benefit from a trade right now.
While it is no lock that the Browns trade Mayfield, it seems like the two sides are prepping for a split. If they do indeed trade Mayfield, these four teams easily make the most sense as potential destinations. Keep an eye on a deal materializing between the Browns and one of these four teams soon.