NFL Rumors: Browns make major U-turn on Baker Mayfield trade

Baker Mayfield still awaits word on his NFL future as the football world focuses on the legal entanglements of his replacement, Deshaun Watson. After learning of the Cleveland Browns’ desire to acquire the former Houston Texans quarterback earlier this year, Mayfield made it clear that he wanted a trade.

Although he expressed a desire to play for the Indianapolis Colts, they had other ideas and traded for Matt Ryan. Seattle and Carolina were also rumored to be possible destinations for Mayfield, but both teams quickly quieted those rumors.

However, according to Sports Illustrated reporter Albert Breer, Carolina and Seattle may still be in play with Cleveland offering to pay a good portion of Mayfield’s contract. Breer stopped by the Rich Eisen show to elaborate on just how much the Browns could put up.

“They’re willing to take on a fair amount of Baker’s salary. Like $9 or 10 million. So for people out there who think that Cleveland’s holding on to Baker as Deshaun [Watson] insurance, they wouldn’t be offering to take on a pretty significant portion of the guy’s salary if they were looking to hold him until there’s more clarity in the Deshaun Watson case.”

The Seattle Seahawks have insisted they will roll with Drew Lock this coming season. They acquired Lock in a trade that sent Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos. They also have Geno Smith, who will compete with Lock for a starting spot as the season draws closer.

Baker Mayfield would provide interesting competition for Sam Darnold in Carolina

The Carolina Panthers brought in Sam Darnold last season because they believed he had the potential to be a great quarterback once he was away from the New York Jets. However, Darnold never really found his feet in Carolina and suffered an injury midseason that kept him out of action until Week 16.

Thus, Mayfield would be a viable option for the Panthers if they are unwilling to try their luck with Darnold for one more season. But if the Panthers were to make a trade for the Cleveland quarterback and pick up the difference in his contract, it would be a substantial amount of money.

For now, patience is the signal-caller's best friend as each team figures out its best option.