Baker Mayfield trade unlikely before NFL Draft?

Quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns may be stuck with each other through at least the end of April following the club's trade for star signal-caller Deshaun Watson. 

Shortly after it was reported the Carolina Panthers will not be trading for the 2018 first-overall draft pick, stories surfaced saying a Seattle Seahawks team with Drew Lock and Jacob Eason in its quarterback room was also in no hurry to pull the trigger on a deal for the 26-year-old owed $18.858 million in fully guaranteed money for next season. Pro Football Network's Tony Pauline and The Athletic's Zac Jackson have since provided additional information. 

Pauline notes the Seahawks "have bounced around the idea of trading for Mayfield" but also "feel no urgency to do anything at the present time" since the Browns are currently on the hook for the quarterback's salary and may have to "absorb a portion" of that cash to complete a trade. 

Jackson, meanwhile, reports "it’s unlikely that a trade will be made before the draft" because the Seahawks and other teams can drive Cleveland's asking price for Mayfield down by teasing they may go quarterback hunting during the player-selection process. Jackson also reminded everyone the Browns have to account for Mayfield's $18.858 million on the cap if they cut him, presumably before a team such as the Seahawks or Pittsburgh Steelers would "pounce" to sign the former starter at a discounted rate. 

Pauline added that Mayfield is working with Jeff Christensen, Patrick Mahomes’ quarterback coach, in Texas "to improve his throwing mechanics and accuracy" as he recovers from the surgery on his non-throwing shoulder he underwent back in January. It appears Mayfield and the Browns may remain physically apart yet contractually together for some time through the spring.