Baker Mayfield Trade: 3 Possible Destinations For Cleveland Browns Quarterback

The Cleveland Browns and Baker Mayfield might be headed for a breakup. The team’s open pursuit of Deshaun Watson has significantly increased the chances that the Browns will trade Mayfield before the 2022 season.

Watson has reportedly ruled out Cleveland as a destination, but it’s hard to see Mayfield and the Browns repairing their relationship. Shortly after it was reported that the team was meeting with Watson, Mayfield posted a lengthy statement on social media that suggested he wouldn’t return to Cleveland. Well before the Browns flirted with a Watson trade, there were rumors that the organization might try to move on from their starting quarterback.

It’s possible that Mayfield will be Cleveland’s starter in 2022. There are not any top-tier quarterbacks available. Few teams are actively seeking to acquire a No. 1 quarterback, limiting the kind of return the Browns might receive in a trade.

A handful of teams stand out as realistic trade partners for the Browns. Here’s a look at three possible destinations for Mayfield in 2022.

1) Indianapolis Colts

The Colts traded Carson Wentz with the intention of adding a better veteran quarterback. Indianapolis is viewed as a top suitor for Jimmy Garoppolo, whom the San Francisco 49ers are expected to trade. A healthy Mayfield might be better than Garoppolo, and San Francisco’s quarterback can’t throw for a few months as he recovers from shoulder surgery. Mayfield could make the Colts favorites in the AFC South.

2) Carolina Panthers

Panthers owner David Tepper wants a star quarterback. It’s looking less likely that Carolina will be able to trade for Watson. Maybe the franchise would settle on the former No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft. The Panthers traded for Sam Darnold a year ago, showing that they are willing to take a chance on highly touted quarterbacks that have fallen short of expectations.

3) Seattle Seahawks

If the Seahawks plan on competing for a playoff spot in the season after trading Russell Wilson, Mayfield might be their answer at quarterback. Seattle can make a trade work because of the draft picks they received in return for Wilson. It’s unlikely that the Seahawks believe Drew Lock is their quarterback of the future.