Baker Mayfield will be honored at halftime of the Oklahoma football team spring game Saturday afternoon when the former Heisman Trophy winner will receive a statue dedicated to him for winning college football’s top individual award in 2017.
Being immortalized along with other former Sooners legends at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at Heisman Park will likely be the most formal football activity for the former Cleveland Browns‘ top overall pick and starting quarterback this week.
What’s the latest update on Baker Mayfield’s trade market?
Mayfield is not currently expected to attend the Browns’ voluntary offseason conditioning program at this time, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly. This comes after his standing trade request and the AFC North franchise trading for and signing three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson to a $230 million fully guaranteed contract.
No trade is imminent or developing at this time as the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks continue to contemplate their plans, including potentially drafting a quarterback in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, such as Liberty’s Malik Willis or Pitt’s Kenny Pickett, according to NFL sources.
Those sources emphasized that there is definite interest in Mayfield around the league, including from teams that might pursue him as a free agent in 2023 when his contract expires. They also noted that it’s a matter of timing and quarterback market fluctuation in what remains a fluid situation.
Mayfield has been working out and throwing as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery, including throwing sessions in Austin, Texas, with wide receivers Cole Beasley and Danny Amendola.
Trade rumors addressed in the media
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski addressed the rumors of Mayfield being on the trading block during the NFL owners’ meetings.
“I think it’s a unique situation,” Stefanski said. “We need to see how it plays out. All of us would love an answer, yes or no, that’s not the reality.”
This is an awkward situation, obviously, for Mayfield and the team. The Browns might even have to pay part of Mayfield’s $18.86 million salary to unload him.
“I understand that there are several dynamics that play into that,” Stefanski said.
The Browns will have to be patient to see what’s their best option with getting Mayfield off the roster eventually. Mayfield has passed for 14,125 career yards and 92 touchdowns in the NFL.
“I think we’ll see,” Stefanski said. “I think everybody understands the situation, and we’re hoping there’s closure to it at some point.”
Baker Mayfield recently spoke out regarding offseason drama
During a recent conversation on the “Ya Never Know” podcast, Mayfield broke his silence on his tumultuous offseason and unresolved status with the Browns.
“I have no regrets of my time in Cleveland, of what I tried to give to that place,” Mayfield said. “The respect thing is all going to be a personal opinion. I feel disrespected, 100%. I was told one thing, and they completely did another.
“That’s what I’m in the middle of right now. And you know what, I got my taste of it because I’ve had four different head coaches in four years. 2021 was miserable — bunch of different coordinators. I’m just looking for stabilization right now.”
Mayfield added that he thought the Indianapolis Colts were where he was headed prior to their trade with the Atlanta Falcons to acquire quarterback Matt Ryan. He also mentioned the Seahawks as a possibility.
Previously, Mayfield had said goodbye to Cleveland on social media.
“I don’t know where I’m going next,” Mayfield said. “You don’t get to be in control. … I had great times my rookie year. I’m in a good place right now. I have no clue where I’m going. I have no idea where I’m going, but I’m not nervous. I’m going to control what I can control. That’s what it’s about.”
As for the upcoming ceremony in Norman, Okla., Mayfield recently expressed enthusiasm about being honored by the university. A former walk-on, he passed for 4,627 yards and 43 touchdowns to lead the Sooners to a Big 12 title and won the Heisman.
“I’m a Sooner for life and incredibly grateful for all of the success my teammates and I had at OU,” Mayfield said in a statement released by the school. “It’s humbling and surreal to think about having a statue in iconic Heisman Park. I can’t wait to be back in Norman and reunite with the most passionate fans in college football.”