What does Deshaun Watson trade mean for Baker Mayfield?

Deshaun Watson and the Browns shocked the NFL world with the quarterback okaying a trade to Cleveland. But what does that now mean for Baker Mayfield?

Just when you thought the Cleveland Browns couldn’t surprise you anymore, something like Friday transpires. After reportedly being taken out of the running for a Deshaun Watson trade, a shocking turn of events went down with the Texans quarterback choosing to waive his no-trade clause to the Browns and, thus, opening the door to be traded to Cleveland.

After the trade and a massive new contract the Browns are inking Watson to — one that sets records in terms of full guarantees — Cleveland has their franchise quarterback that they can hope to thrive with for the future.

The question that remains, however, is what will happen to Baker Mayfield, the much-maligned former No. 1 overall pick who is now the odd man out in Cleveland.

Deshaun Watson trade: Impact on Baker Mayfield

One of the things that makes the Watson trade to Cleveland so messy is the fact that, after Watson had initially taken the Browns out of the running for a potential move, Mayfield requested a trade of his own after the writing was don’t he wall that the organization wanted to move on.

But as noted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Mayfield will now get the trade he desires.

Mayfield is getting his way in this matter, albeit by way of much different circumstances than were present yesterday. Having said that, the question now becomes which team the former Oklahoma star and top draft selection will end up with.

Reports indicate that the quarterback is interested in, ironically, moving to the AFC South and joining the Colts, a team with an obvious need at the position after trading Carson Wentz to Washington. Another possible fit could be the Seattle Seahawks, a team that also traded away its quarterback, Russell Wilson, this offseason and could potentially eye a competition between Mayfield and Drew Lock.

In the simplest terms, though, Mayfield’s days in Cleveland are officially numbered as his trade request will surely be granted. It only remains to be seen when that deal happens and where he ends up in the end.