Baker Mayfield formally requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, and the quarterback may have a specific destination in mind.
Mayfield no longer wants to play for the Browns after they pursued a trade for Deshaun Watson and other star quarterbacks this offseason. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Mayfield has “strong interest” in the Indianapolis Colts.
Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network also reported earlier in the week that Indianapolis would be Mayfield’s preferred landing spot if the Browns trade him.
The Browns said they will not accommodate Mayfield’s trade request, but that is likely just a matter of leverage. There have been numerous signs that they no longer believe in the former first overall pick. Cleveland’s brass likely wants rival teams to think the Browns are committed to Mayfield in an attempt to protect his trade value.
The Colts are searching for a new QB after they traded Carson Wentz to Washington. Mayfield probably wouldn’t be much of an upgrade over Wentz, though Indy may feel a fresh start would serve Baker well.
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