3 Potential Baker Mayfield Trade Destinations Following Browns' Deshaun Watson Trade
By Peter Dewey
Another major quarterback domino has fallen, as Deshaun Watson has flipped and decided to play for the Cleveland Browns, and he appears to be getting a record deal in the process.
Deshaun Watson has decided he wants to play for the Cleveland Browns in a stunning change of events, per sources. Watson has informed the Houston Texans that he now is willing to waive the no-trade clause in his contract to be dealt to Cleveland.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2022
Every dollar of Deshaun Watson’s new five-year, $230 million deal is guaranteed, per sources, setting a new record for the highest guarantee given to an NFL player. @Browns and Watson’s agent @DavidMulugheta combine to make history.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2022
Adam Schefter also added that this allows Baker Mayfield to seek the trade that he desires after making a formal request to be moved on Thursday. The quarterback cited that his relationship with the team had gone beyond repair.
Now, both sides appear to be getting what they want, as the Browns will have an upgrade at the quarterback position and Mayfield will have a fresh start elsewhere.
But where will that be?
Let's break down three potential destinations for Mayfield this offseason, and the team's current Super Bowl odds via WynnBET:
New Orleans Saints (+1500)
The New Orleans Saints' current odds seem to be based on a potential quarterback trade, unless they decide to bring back Jameis Winston for the 2022 season.
New Orleans was in on the Watson sweepstakes, but now it has to shift to Plan B, which could be Mayfield. It's hard to imagine that Mayfield costs much in terms of assets, as he is in the final year of his deal and the Browns don't have much leverage in this scenario.
The Saints could try and rebuild Mayfield's career, as they can surround him with elite weapons in Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara. New Orleans can easily be the second best team in the NFC South, as the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers also lost out on the Watson sweepstakes.
However, it will take a quarterback for New Orleans to get there.
Seattle Seahawks (+7500)
The Seattle Seahawks are in a tough spot after trading Russell Wilson, as they have the No. 9 overall pick from the Denver Broncos, but in a draft that isn't great for quarterbacks.
It's possible that Seattle tries to roll with Drew Lock, who came in the Wilson deal, but the Seahawks could also take a shot on Mayfield as a bridge quarterback.
The former No. 1 overall pick offers more upside than Lock, and it could help Seattle avoid having to use a first-round pick on a quarterback in the next two drafts. Not only that, but Seattle has two star wideouts in DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett that should help Mayfield if he were acquired.
Seattle could do worse, but it's also possible the team treats this as a rebuild year and doesn't want to sacrifice assets for Mayfield.
Carolina Panthers (+7500)
Carolina is in a tough spot quarterback wise, as it has one year left on Sam Darnold's deal, but the former No. 3 overall pick showed he isn't a franchise leader last season.
Could the Panthers take a one-year flier on Mayfield?
It may be necessary for Matt Rhule to keep his job, as the team can't afford another losing season that ends with a top-10 pick.
Mayfield's fit would be interesting, but the Panthers just inked receiver DJ Moore to a major extension on Friday.
Panthers are giving WR DJ Moore a three-year, $61.884 million extension in new money, per his agents @DrewJRosenhaus, @JasonRosenhaus and @NFLrecord. New money average per money is $20.628M. There is a full guarantee of $41.61M. He is tied to Carolina for four and $73 million.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2022
Mayfield would be an upgrade for the Panthers, but it's a question of whether or not they view him as a long-term answer or just a stop-gap quarterback.