Seahawks trade for Baker Mayfield is how Browns QB saga has to end

In Browns rumors, Cleveland was close to trading lame duck quarterback Baker Mayfield to the Seattle Seahawks.

This is being reported by podcaster Michael Balko, who, added the trade was nixed after a new, unnamed team entered “the sweepstakes.”

Is there truth to what Balko is selling on Twitter? It’s impossible to know. That said, a trade to the Seahawks is always how the Mayfield saga had to end. Seattle can’t go into 2022 with Drew Lock and Geno Smith.

Pete Caroll enjoyed tremendous success with a 6-foot quarterback and while nobody is trying to compare Mayfield with the former Asheville Tourists’ second baseman, the coach knows the limitations of fielding a quarterback who doesn’t enjoy the same view as those who are 6-foot-4.

It’s always made too much sense, and it probably hasn’t happened because the Browns seemed unwilling to eat any of Mayfield’s contract when it became clear they would have to trade the former No.1 overall pick.

Baker Mayfield a “sweepstakes” all of a sudden

The other takeaway regarding Mayfield’s status with the club: Balko referred to interesting in the quarterback as a “sweepstakes.” This informs there’s multiple teams interested in a quarterback the Browns couldn’t give away a month ago.

The Panthers were long talked about as a trade destination, but if it hasn’t now, I don’t think it will come to fruition. What’s holding Carolina back, other than the dollar amount Cleveland’s willing to pay.

The Browns could always  be waiting to find out what Watson’s future holds. If he’s out for the year, then adding Sam Darnold makes sense. Cleveland would certainly need to upgrade the backup quarterback spot if Jacoby Brissett is to be the year-long starter.

If not, they’re probably willing to ride with Jacoby Brissett and a cheaper option until Watson is allowed to play.