Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield opened up on Twitter last week regarding his NFL career and the then-potential acquisition of entangled talent Deshaun Watson, former Houston Texans quarterback. He wrote:
Cleveland,
The past 4 years have been nothing short of truly life changing since I heard my name called in the draft to go to Cleveland. This is not a message with hidden meaning. This is strictly to thank the city of Cleveland for embracing my family and me. We have made many memories and shared growing in this process through all the ups and downs. I have no clue what happens next, which is the meaning behind the silence I have had during the duration of this process. I can only control what I can, which is trusting in God’s plan throughout this process.
I have given the franchise everything I have. That is something I’ve always done at every stage, and at every level. And that will not change wherever I take my next snap. Whatever happens.. I just want to say thank you to the fans who truly embraced who I am and the mentality that aligned so well with this city’s hard working people.
Cleveland will always be a part of Emily and my story. And we will always be thankful for the impact it has had and will have in our lives.
Sincerely,
Baker Reagan Mayfield
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hangs his head as he walks off the field following a 37-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL football game at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]
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Is Baker Mayfield Priced Out of the NFL Market?
Clearly a tough position to find oneself in, Mayfield’s season was nothing short of a roller coaster, both physically and emotionally. The Heisman winner and top overall draft pick had plenty of struggles coupled with a shoulder injury for which he already underwent surgery.
Add into the mix a grand jury did not find enough evidence to charge Deshaun Watson with crimes related to his many sexual assault accusations and the trade talks hit like fire through dry grass. Watson quickly landed in Cleveland, and Mayfield quickly landed on the trading block.
NFL Insider, Ian Rapoport, said NFL teams do have interest in Baker Mayfield, just not at his current $18 million price tag.
“It doesn’t seem like anyone is interested at this salary,” Rapoport said. “The at this salary part is key because Baker Mayfield is unlikely to be traded at $18 million. If the Browns are able to eat some money, or the agent and new team can come up with an answer to split or deal with his salary, I believe he’ll be traded. I don’t get the sense the Browns will release him.”
Rapoport even suggested Baker may play for the Browns in 2022 if a deal doesn’t get done or another team can’t restructure the current contract. Many fans reacted saying Baker wouldn’t play another snap with Cleveland even if Deshaun Watson winds up suspended due to civil suits.
Can a Trade Deal Be Reached?
Baker clearly wants out. But, last season coupled with that salary are muddying the trade waters for him. Cleveland clearly wants something in return, but the NFL clearly smells their desperation and won’t pay full price for a struggling quaterback that might even have limited upside. A suitable trade partner after all the Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Tom Brady news just might not be possible.
This twitter post from cleveland.com reveals the Browns might even be coming off their simple request of a 1st rounder for Baker.
How the Mighty Have Fallen
Our friends in Cleveland have very little leverage in negotiating any kind of trade to satisfy Mayfield at this point.
My how the mighty have fallen. It appears Baker Mayfield might actually be Deshaun Watson’s backup! Right now, anything feels possible.
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