Another week of more rumors of Baker Mayfield’s seemingly imminent departure from Cleveland with nothing happening. The former No. 1 pick has appeared destined to leave the Browns since Deshaun Watson’s arrival back in March.
Both sides seem desperate for a split; Mayfield sees himself as a starter, while the Browns are set to pay Mayfield $18.9 million in 2022, which is a hefty fee for a backup.
However, according to a report from ESPN’s Dianna Russini, they don’t want to pay it. Russini said the team doesn’t want to “take on that contract” even though they already did by picking up his option.
The report added that the team doesn’t plan on taking on any of Mayfield’s contract if he’s traded.
“The Cleveland Browns do not want to take on that contract. I don’t know the number they’re willing to go to … they want nothing to do with that deal. If you want Baker Mayfield, you’re going to pay that money. Cleveland’s not going to try to split it up with you,” Russini said on The Ryen Russillo Podcast.
No other NFL team has shown interest in trading for Mayfield and it has everything to do with his salary. Other teams do not have to trade for Mayfield and can seemingly wait to see if the Browns will release him instead.
In the end, Mayfield might find himself on the Browns roster by the time the 2022 season begins.
