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Will Baker Mayfield get a second chance with an AFC team?

By Loyal Ricks Jr

16. Browns (21): Hard not to pinpoint their struggles on a poor passing attack and injured QB Baker Mayfield. But the former No. 1 pick's up-and-down career is due for an upswing year in 2022, which will be the one that makes or breaks his tenure in Cleveland.Syndication The Columbus Dispatch
16. Browns (21): Hard not to pinpoint their struggles on a poor passing attack and injured QB Baker Mayfield. But the former No. 1 pick's up-and-down career is due for an upswing year in 2022, which will be the one that makes or breaks his tenure in Cleveland.Syndication The Columbus Dispatch /
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The Cleveland Browns currently have two starting quarterbacks on their roster. With the NFL Draft quickly approaching, will the Browns find the right trade for Baker Mayfield? 

Kevin Stefanski and his staff were excited to hear the news of his team’s recent signing. Former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson agreed to a five-year deal with the Browns organization.

Watson’s contract is projected to be the highest in NFL history. As the Browns move forward with their new All-Pro gunslinger, fans who fill Paul brown stadium are interested in seeing how the franchise deals with Baker Mayfield.

Baker Mayfield’s Trouble in Paradise

On Thursday, March 17, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported news of a trade request from Cleveland’s starting quarterback. News of the Browns working to acquire Watson triggered the former Heisman winner’s request. Frustration from previous seasons has caused a rift between the Browns and their former franchise quarterback. The Browns have only recorded one playoff win since drafting Mayfield in 2017.

When asked about the relationship between himself and the Cleveland organization, Mayfield’s responded as if his run with the Browns was over.

Greener pastures could benefit the former Oklahoma Sooner. Despite the struggles in his early career, Mayfield has shown enough promise to earn a second chance with another team. His ability to extend plays and big throw ability helped the Browns build a foundation for Deshaun Watson to build on.

Mayfield has accumulated 14,125 yards and 92 touchdowns during his four seasons with Cleveland. His twenty-six touchdown passes during the 2020 regular season helped the Browns clinch a playoff berth.

Baker Mayfield: Playing in the AFC South? 

The demand for veteran quarterbacks has decreased within the past weeks. After two weeks of game-changing transactions, only a few teams remain with quarterback uncertainties. The Washington Commanders, Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Denver Broncos committed to quarterbacks that could make a difference in their franchise’s immediate future.

With only a few landing spots left, Baker Mayfield could find himself competing for a starting position in 2022. Franchises like the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans are still searching for a solution to their current quarterback dilemma, but will they gamble on Baker’s abilities?

Deshaun Watson’s arrival in Cleveland has caused the Brown front office to think about the franchise’s future. The team announced that they are looking into potential deals to shop for their former starter, but the wrong decision could be costly.

Competition in the AFC Conference will be at an all-time high this year and trading Mayfield away to a rival will only add fuel to the fire. As the draft approaches, the importance of dealing with Baker Mayfield will only increase.

The draft will present other franchises opportunities to act on other talents to fulfill their needs, making Mayfield less desirable. If the Browns want the most for their trade, the team needs to deal with Baker quickly.

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