New dark horse trade option for Baker Mayfield emerges

The Cleveland Browns’ acquisition of Deshaun Watson last week signaled that the Baker Mayfield era was coming to an end.

That said, as of Monday morning, Mayfield remains on the roster.

Mayfield has made it abundantly clear that there is one team he hopes to end up with when it’s all said and done. Whether the Browns will ultimately oblige his request remains to be seen.

In the meantime, an intriguing dark horse contender has emerged for Mayfield’s services.

“I continue to be fascinated by the possibility that (former Browns GM John) Dorsey’s current employer, the Lions, will get involved. Mayfield seems to be exactly what Detroit currently needs, and he’d be the team’s first quarterback with true swagger, perhaps since Bobby Layne,” reported Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Detroit obviously still has Jared Goff, but outside of his girlfriend’s propensity for publishing racy photos online, he doesn’t have a ton going for him. Mayfield could be a legitimate upgrade if the front office decides to go down this path.

Mayfield obviously comes with some of his own headaches. This weekend’s drama involving some girl leaking his private DMs speaks to the issues that often plague him on and off the field.

Talent-wise, though – Mayfield is solid. Better than he is given credit for. And he could be exactly what the Lions need in order to pump some life back into the offense.

The Seattle Seahawks still seem like the most logical landing spot for Mayfield. Pete Carroll appears to like him, Russell Wilson’s departure left a gaping hole at quarterback that needs to be addressed, and there is a scheme fit here that would be absent at other destinations.

That said, the Lions are an intriguing option as well.

Where will Mayfield ultimately end up when it’s all said and done?

Time will tell.