The Cleveland Browns have a different type of QB controversy on their hands. After days of flirting (and failing) with Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson, Cleveland’s incumbent QB Baker Mayfield has requested a trade.
Baker Mayfield requests trade from Cleveland Browns after Deshaun Watson interest
Mayfield sent a letter to the city of Cleveland on Tuesday, making a preemptive strike in front of a possible Watson trade. Now, with the Watson deal off the table, Mayfield is forcing the issue and wants out of the Browns’ organization. Following the request, Mayfield told ESPN, “It’s in the mutual interest of both sides for us to move on. The relationship is too far gone to mend. It’s in the best interests of both sides to move on.”
The Browns owe Mayfield a guaranteed $18.8 million base salary. Cutting Mayfield would charge the entire salary to the Browns’ salary cap, while trading him would wipe the salary completely off their books.
With Mayfield publicly requesting out of Cleveland, the trade market for the former first overall pick should begin to bubble. That said, with just one year left on his deal, potential buyers would likely want to reach a long-term contract extension before giving up notable assets for the QB. If his deal were to stay as is, a buyer would probably give up minimal value in return.
According to a report from Albert Breer, the Browns have told Mayfield they are “not accommodating his request.”
Who could go after Mayfield?
Mayfield could be an alternative route for teams who miss out on Watson. While he’s due $18.8 million, that total is significantly less than Watson’s cap number. The Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints could miss out on Watson in favor of the Atlanta Falcons. As of now, the Panthers and Saints would start Sam Darnold and Taysom Hill, respectively, if they fail to land on Watson.
Another team to monitor is the Indianapolis Colts, who traded away Carson Wentz earlier this month. The Seattle Seahawks could also have interest after shipping QB Russell Wilson to Denver.
Outside of Mayfield, the only other attractive potential trade options — other than Watson — are San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo and Philadelphia Eagles backup QB Gardner Minshew. Former Green Bay Packers first-round pick QB Jordan Love might also be available for a trade.