Seahawks, Browns QB Baker Mayfield reportedly have 'mutual' interest

Despite all kinds of rumors and reports suggesting otherwise, quarterback Baker Mayfield remains attached to the Cleveland Browns heading into the final weekend of June following the controversial March trade for Deshaun Watson. Even if Watson receives a lengthy suspension regarding much-publicized allegations of sexual misconduct during massage sessions, as many expect he will, Cleveland has journeyman Jacoby Brissett preparing to start as it looks to trade Mayfield and his fully guaranteed $18.858 million salary for 2022. 

Mayfield has repeatedly been linked with a Carolina Panthers side set to start veteran Sam Darnold over third-round draft pick Matt Corral and also with the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle has 2019 second-round pick Drew Lock competing with Geno Smith for its starting gig as of now.

CBS Sports' Josina Anderson reported on Wednesday that the Seahawks still have a "high level of interest in acquiring" Mayfield and are "open to contractually extending him." For a piece published Thursday, Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network explained that sources say "the interest between the Seahawks and Mayfield is mutual." 

Wilson notes the Seahawks "have $16.3 million in salary-cap space available" and "would need to make some adjustments to absorb Mayfield’s current salary or extend him." Extending the 27-year-old presumably would spread his cap hits out across multiple seasons to give the team some financial relief. 

Then again, it's possible both Seattle and Carolina are still waiting to see if Cleveland will cut Mayfield to eliminate a potential distraction before training camp sessions begin late next month.