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Baker Mayfield Trade Situation 'Fluid'; Browns GM 'Fine' Holding QB Through Draft
April 30, 2022
We're through two days of the 2022 NFL draft, and Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has yet to be traded. However, it appears a deal for the 2018 first overall pick isn't necessarily out of the question heading into Day 3.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry told reporters Friday that the Mayfield situation is "fluid." He added that he would be "fine" if the veteran is still on the roster once the draft is over.
"We'll deal with that situation as it progresses," Berry told reporters.
Berry's comments come after NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported before the second round of the draft began that the Browns and Carolina Panthers were continuing to discuss a trade for Mayfield. However, he noted Mayfield's contract—worth more than $18 million in 2022—was complicating negotiations.
The Panthers went on to select Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral in the third round, trading up to do so. Drafting Corral likely means a potential Browns-Panthers deal for Mayfield is off the table.
In addition to the Panthers, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans all settled their future quarterback situations via the draft by selecting Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder and Malik Willis, respectively.
The options for Mayfield continue to dwindle, and it seems like the Seattle Seahawks might be his best option at this point. Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot reported that the Seahawks remain in the mix for the veteran after passing on Willis and the other quarterbacks available on Day 2.
After trading Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, Seattle is set to enter the 2022 season with Drew Lock, Geno Smith and Jacob Eason on its roster. That's not necessarily ideal, and Mayfield, although inconsistent, could be an upgrade at the position.
That said, if the Browns are unable to move Mayfield, he could still end up starting games for the franchise this season. Deshaun Watson, who was acquired in a trade with the Houston Texans, still must contend with a possible NFL suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
Although he's no longer facing criminal charges, 22 civil cases accusing him of sexual assault and misconduct are looming.
Mayfield requested a trade from the Browns in March, just one day before they acquired Watson. He told ESPN it's "in the mutual interest of both sides for us to move on" and that their relationship is "too far gone to mend."