Over the last few weeks, the trade market for Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has been seemingly nonexistent.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler provided further context as to why during an appearance on SportsCenter this morning. According to Fowler, 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.
This isn’t really groundbreaking information from Fowler, as it is kind of what has been discussed and speculated in the media since it became clear Cleveland was looking to trade Mayfield.
However, this report shows the reality of the situation, which is that Mayfield’s stock has plummeted after a 2021 season in which he played through injury and posted the worst numbers of his career.
Jeremy Fowler on ESPN: Teams are waiting for the Browns to pay part of Baker’s salary in a trade. Or just an outright release.
— Offseason Chopz (@Pchopz_) April 5, 2022
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While it may not be looking good for a Mayfield trade right now, there’s still time. A report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport last Friday indicated that later this month might be the sweet spot for the Browns to make a deal.
“I would say probably in the couple days before the draft is generally the window there,” Rapoport said on Friday’s episode of The Pat McAfee Show.
The worst-case scenario for Cleveland would either be having to cut Mayfield and receive no compensation in return, or keep him around as an expensive backup to Deshaun Watson.
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