Browns, Baker Mayfield trade could drag out until after draft

Baker Mayfield remains a rostered player on the Cleveland Browns, as the franchise has yet to find a trade partner for lame-duck quarterback.

The Athletic’s Jeff Howe (subscription) provided an update on where the trade market stands, and nothing appears to have changed. The Seahawks are mentioned as a landing spot and the lingering storyline of the Browns probably having to pay some salary to facilitate a deal remains unchanged, as well.

Howe added that, “It wouldn’t be a surprise if this drags out until after the draft.”

Who’s Seattle competing against for his services? Nobody. The Seahawks are prepared to lose this season. That’s what you tell the world when you trade Russell Wilson and replace him with Drew Lock.

Taking on money for a quarterback who would improve their draft position? That’s not how you tank–something Browns fans know all about.

Carolina keeps being thrown around, but they already have a top quarterback who failed with his first team in Sam Darnold.

Standing pat on Baker Mayfield trade will require great stamina

How the Browns navigate this scenario will be interesting to watch, because there just doesn’t seem to be trade interest in Mayfield.

Does Andrew Berry have the fortitude to hold onto Baker until a rosier scenario comes to light? And what about Mayfield? Can he chill long enough not to drive down his price?

I wrote those last sentences knowing full well that the preseason is going to be the best time to trade Mayfield. There’s always a quarterback or two that gets hurt and teams will get desperate. If the Browns don’t want to eat salary, and I really don’t think they do, that’s the time they’ll have to wait for to get a deal done.

Unfortunately, the draft, OTAs and mini-camp will all take place before August, and considering Mayfield’s social media track record, you can’t count on him to stay quiet. If the squeaky wheel goes off the rails, and it’s entirely possible, then the Browns will have a huge headache on their hands.

Hopefully, the Browns can wait until a more attractive deal arises, because they’re going to need that cap space. That said, moving Mayfield may just be the cost of doing business, as was giving Deshaun Watson all that guaranteed money.