Which team will Baker Mayfield suit up for during the 2022 NFL season? That’s been a hot question throughout the offseason, but at this point, there’s still no clear answer.
Most teams who were in need of a QB have filled the spot already. Some have made no moves, but do not seem interested in Mayfield.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said earlier this month on The Pat McAfee Show that he doesn’t think the Cleveland Browns will trade Mayfield until June “at the earliest.”
The Detroit Lions did not take a quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft and they seem like the most likeliest team to make a move for Mayifeld. The team reportedly took a long look at Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett, who went in the first round to the Steelers. This means Detroit may not be thinking long-term with Jared Goff, which could lead to the Lions making a play for Baker Mayfield.
According to Jeff Risdon of LionsWire, “I’ve seen what the good Baker Mayfield is capable of. That Baker Mayfield has a higher ceiling than anyone would reasonably expect for (Jared) Goff anymore.”
The snag for any other team reportedly interested in Mayfield is the $18.9 million he is owed next season after Cleveland picked up his fifth-year option.
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That is likely the number one reason why Mayfield is still on the Browns’ roster.
As Jeff Darlington pointed out, Cleveland should eat the contract owed to Mayfield and at least get something in return instead of possibly having to cut him for absolutely nothing.
“The Browns have to get out of their own way,” Darlington said on The Rich Eisen Show. “They’re not going to keep him on the team. That’s a ridiculous notion that he could still be on the roster this season. I understand they owe him $19 million guaranteed no matter what. But if a team trades for him, they’re not paying that $19 million. The Browns have to pay for most of it and until their number comes down, they’re not going to make that move. They see no rush, no urgency since the draft is over but that’s still gotta be the next shoe to drop. To think that Baker is on your roster after all of this is just a ludicrous concept.”
Mayfield threw for 3,010 yards and 17 touchdowns against 13 interceptions over 14 games last fall and battled a shoulder injury for much of the season.
