Let's Set Odds: Where Will Baker Mayfield Play in 2022?

In a make-or-break year for Baker Mayfield, he fell way short of his expectations.

The Browns were thought to be dark horse Super Bowl contenders behind an elite offensive and defensive line as well as explosive running backs. Mayfield was the question mark in the team's plans and the answer was a resounding no.

While injuries derailed both Mayfield's effectiveness and the Browns roster, the NFL is a results driven league, and Mayfield led the Browns to a 7-9 record before he was ruled out of the season finale against the AFC North winning Bengals.

Mayfield has another year left on his contract (he is up for an extension this offseason), but let's speculate where the former No. 1 pick could end up this offseason.

Green Bay Packers: +1200

This is based on the premise that Aaron Rodgers leaves the Packers, which was widely assumed before the season. The Packers have Jordan Love backing up Rodgers, but the team is likely going to need at the very least a serviceable second option in case Love isn't ready to take on starting QB duties.

Love struggled in his lone start this season against the Kansas City Chiefs, a 13-7 loss. If Rodgers were to leave and the Browns set their sights elsewhere, would they take a mid-round pick on Mayfield and surround someone else with their talented roster? Maybe.

Denver Broncos: +900

The Broncos have a similar roster to the Browns in a way, built on a strong pass rush and running game. Denver has not found a franchise quarterback but do have a ton of weapons on offense to surround one. Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy are emerging talents at wide receiver, but Teddy Bridgewater couldn't take advantage of the role and Drew Lock looks destined to be a career backup.

If Denver strikes out on the potentially available Rodgers or Russell Wilson (more on him soon), would the team look to open up another quarterback competition by giving Mayfield a one year try out? Mayfield had a host of injuries in 2021, a reset could be for the best, especially if Denver looks to bring in a new coach.

Washington Football Team: +600

Washington played basically the entire season with Taylor Heinicke under center to middling results at 6-10. While Heinicke has had flashes of brilliance, Mayfield could reinvigorate the fanbase and give the roster a chance at buying in low before the former Heisman Trophy winner is up for a contract.

Again, the price would be relatively low for Mayfield, and this can be a high upside bet that a roster that has foundational pieces like Terry McLaurin and Antonio Gibson on offense already in the fold.

Seattle Seahawks: +350

By reading the tea leaves, Russell Wilson may not be long for Seattle and the organization may be set for a rebuild. However, the team doesn't have their first round pick as part of the Jamal Adams trade, so they are likely going to ask for a king's ransom for Wilson to kick start their reboot.

Well, someone has to play quarterback if it's not Wilson.

Why not Mayfield? The Browns don't need to trade for the Super Bowl winning quarterback directly, but the team could trade Mayfield to Seattle in exchange for a mid-round pick as the Seahawks sift through a replenished cupboard.

It's a bit far fetched, but I can see the Seahawks moving on from Wilson and the Browns moving on from Mayfield, so why not ship Mayfield to the Pacific Northwest to replace him!

Cleveland Browns: -200

While I think the Browns can be a Super Bowl contender with even a mediocre quarterback, the odds are that the team brings back Mayfield and hope for better health from their former No. 1 pick.

I also expect a short leash for him given the way this season has unfolded. The Browns may be best suited bringing in a respected backup to open a quarterback competition in training camp.

However, with a year left on his contract it's tough to see the team selling Mayfield for pennies on the dollar.