The trade market for Baker Mayfield is damn near non-existent, and it’s because of his current salary. On Friday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport said teams have interest in Baker Mayfield, just not at his price tag of $18 million.
“It doesn’t seem like anyone is interested at this salary,” Rapoport said. “The at this salary part is key because Baker Mayfield is unlikely to be traded at $18 million. If the Browns are able to eat some money, or the agent and new team can come up with an answer to split or deal with his salary, I believe he’ll be traded. I don’t get the sense the Browns will release him.”
Rapoport also noted the Browns might not do anything about Mayfield because he could start games in the event Watson is suspended, but that is also unlikely since the QB had every intention of sitting out and not playing for the team for the upcoming season.
The Browns last week acquired Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans for a bundle of draft picks, all but spelling the end of Mayfield’s time in Cleveland. The former Texans signal-caller was cleared of any criminal charges, but still faces 22 civil lawsuits that allege sexual assault and misconduct.
In addition, the NFL is conducting its own investigation into the allegations and could suspend Watson under the personal conduct policy.
Everyone knows the Browns are done with Mayfield, so trying to play hardball and demanding high draft picks for his current salary is not going to work in the way that the franchise is hoping.
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Mayfield has been Cleveland’s starter since 2018, but he has been inconsistent. The 26-year-old especially struggled in 2021, completing 60.5 percent of his passes for 3,010 yards and 17 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. However, Mayfield struggled with a shoulder injury throughout the season and played with a shoulder brace.
