Browns: 3 possible solutions to Cleveland’s Baker Mayfield problem
By Scott Rogust
After acquiring Deshaun Watson, the Cleveland Browns still have Baker Mayfield on the roster. Here are three solutions to bring an end to the drama.
The Cleveland Browns have landed themselves in controversy this offseason, and it had to do with the quarterback position As they were in the running to acquire Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, Baker Mayfield requested a trade from the team. The Browns declined it at the time, as they thought they were not getting Watson. That all changed when Watson agreed to come to Cleveland after receiving a $230 million, fully guaranteed contract from the team. Then, the team okayed Mayfield seeking a trade.
Following Memorial Day weekend, Mayfield is still a member of the Browns. Teams have yet to make the move for the quarterback since the Watson trade, not even during the NFL Draft. Now, the clock is ticking for the Browns to come up with a decision on Mayfield.
It is obvious that the Browns are in a bind with Mayfield, and here are three potential solutions to their problem.
Browns: 3 possible solutions to the Baker Mayfield problem
3. Wait for Seahawks or Panthers to bite in trade talks
When looking at the quarterback situations throughout the league, the ones that look the bleakest are the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers.
The Seahawks traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos and got Drew Lock as part of their massive return. They did re-sign Geno Smith, who did start last season when Wilson was injured. But they did not select a single quarterback prospect in the NFL Draft this year.
Meanwhile, the Panthers appear to be set on giving former 2018 third-overall pick Sam Darnold another crack at starting under center. They also have former Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral on the roster after selecting him in the third round.
What these two teams have in common is that they have both been linked to Mayfield throughout the offseason. For the Browns, they still have time to play the waiting game, especially when the season draws nearer. With the NFC looking like a much easier path to the Super Bowl than the AFC, both teams could become enticed to bring in Mayfield as their starter.