CLEVELAND — At this point, we're (relatively?) certain Baker Mayfield will not play another game for the Browns. Unfortunately, the club seems to have worked itself into a stalemate as it tries to get him off the roster.
One of the biggest obstacles to a potential trade appears to be Mayfield's fully guaranteed $18.86 million salary in 2022. Cleveland is reportedly willing to pick up half of that number, while would-be suitors want them to pay roughly 3/4 of it.
And so we wait to see if Mayfield will eventually be dealt, or if the Browns will just bite the bullet and release him while paying him all of that money. Ever since rumors began, a seemingly perfect trade partner has lingered in the Pacific Northwest, and there's a chance they could be ready to go "all-in" on the former No. 1 overall pick.
According to CBS Sports' Josina Anderson, the Seattle Seahawks" still have a "high-level of interest" in acquiring Mayfield from Cleveland, so much so that there has even been talk of giving the fifth-year quarterback a contract extension. A source tells Anderson Seattle remains in the process of gathering information in regards to Mayfield.
The Seahawks have long been mentioned as a possible trade destination for Mayfield due to their own precarious QB situation. After trading franchise stalwart Russell Wilson to the Broncos, journeyman backup Geno Smith and former Denver starter Drew Lock now sit at the top of the depth chart. Mayfield has more career victories (29), passing yards (14,125), and touchdowns (92) than both of them combined, and also led the Browns to their first playoff win in 26 years.
With Cleveland now penciling in three-time Pro Bowler Deshaun Watson as its starter, Mayfield was voluntarily excused from mandatory minicamp two weeks ago as the club looks for an exit strategy. Should the NFL suspend Watson in the wake of multiple sexual misconduct allegations, newly signed Jacoby Brissett would presumably take over as QB1.