Seahawks: 3 things holding back a Baker Mayfield trade

1. There needs to be a decision from the NFL on Deshaun Watson above all else

Even though the Browns could have traded Mayfield a long time ago, they need to figure out how long their new franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson is going to be suspended for. While 20 of his 24 civil cases have been settled, the NFL still needs to reach a resolution on how long his suspension will be. It is more likely than not Watson will not play in the NFL again this season.

So if it is a yearlong suspension for Watson, Cleveland may not make Mayfield available for trade after all. They can power through the awkwardness and keep their former No. 1 overall pick around in a lame duck year. Otherwise, it is going to be The Jacoby Brissett Show in Northeast Ohio this season. Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry cannot afford another down season or two.

While teams like Seattle or Carolina may have interest in Mayfield, Cleveland should not look to trade him until they get resolution on Watson’s impending suspension. Once the length has been levied out by the league office, Cleveland can react however it sees fit in breaking up with its former franchise quarterback. In the meantime, Seattle can stay interested, but will have to wait.

Without debate, the Watson suspension is the domino that has to fall to set everything in motion.