If you’re surprised that Baker Mayfield is still a member of the Cleveland Browns, you are not alone. Earlier this week, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the situation is “being slow-played around the league.”
The trade market for Mayfield seems to be limited to one team — the Seattle Seahawks. However, that may not actually be the case.
Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report suggested on Wednesday that the Atlanta Falcons would be the most likely team to deal for Mayfield other than the Seahawks, noting that the Falcons’ “quarterback room is wide open.”
Tansey added that the Falcons would have to part ways with pick No. 58 in the second round and pick No. 190 in the sixth round to obtain Mayfield.
“Atlanta is in more of a rebuilding mode than Seattle since it has less talent spread across the offensive skill positions and [wide receiver] Calvin Ridley is suspended.
Arthur Smith and his staff could use 2022 to prepare for the 2023 season. That may lead to the NFC South side bringing in a rookie quarterback with the No. 8 overall pick.
Atlanta is a perfect spot to develop a quarterback who could sit for a year and learn under Mayfield and Mariota.
The Falcons have nine selections in the upcoming draft, which could help Cleveland get a decent return for its unwanted quarterback. If Atlanta is interested in Mayfield, the Browns could ask for the team’s additional picks in the second and sixth rounds.”
For now, interested suitors are content to wait until the Browns either release Mayfield or commit to covering a portion of his $18.9 million salary for the 2022 NFL season. Whatever leverage the Browns thought they had because of the scarcity of starting-caliber quarterbacks on the market has since dwindled with so many teams already making moves to fill the position.
Baker Mayfield had a down year in 2021. He threw for 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
