Report: 'Still nothing imminent' on Baker Mayfield trade front
As much as Cleveland Browns fans may be ready to say goodbye to former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield, according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, the quarterback is likely to be staying out for at least a few more weeks.
Howe reported Wednesday morning that "it wouldn't be a surprise if this drags out until after the draft." The 2022 NFL Draft is slated for April 28 to April 30.
"Even though the Seahawks have been viewed as a plausible landing spot, a front-runner has not emerged at this point. The biggest holdup appears to be Mayfield’s contract," Howe wrote. "Mayfield, who is still recovering from left shoulder surgery, is on the books for a fully guaranteed $18.858 million in 2022, but it’s becoming increasingly likely the Browns will have to pay a portion of that salary to move the quarterback. As inquiring teams have angled for leverage in that regard, the process has remained in neutral for the time being."
Seattle could still be in the market for a quarterback after sending out future Hall-of-Famer Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in a blockbuster trade that netted them Drew Lock among others. While many have been skeptical of Lock's ability to lead a franchise as a starting signal-caller, new Seahawks tight end Noah Fant spoke highly of his career-long teammate on Tuesday.
It was all but assumed that Cleveland was ready to move on from Mayfield when they traded for embattled former Pro Bowler Deshaun Watson. With Watson's continued legal woes potentially still a concern for the Browns however, they also brought in quarterback Jacoby Brissett as a possible replacement.
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