NFL Rumors: Steelers Could Swoop Up Browns QB If Release Materializes
KEY POINTS
- The Steelers are allegedly among teams who will immediately go after Mayfield
- Mayfield is not short of suitors once the Browns cut ties with him
- Watson's arrival places Mayfield in a spot
Baker Mayfield of the Cleveland Browns is in a precarious situation following the acquisition of Deshaun Watson.
With the Browns signing the three-time Pro Bowler to a five-year, $230 million deal, the chances of Mayfield getting a good paycheck do not look promising.
Although nothing is made official, most speculate that the 26-year-old is likely to be released by the Browns.
Multiple NFL teams are expected to try and race for his services, particularly the ones looking for a reliable play-caller.
One team that has been mentioned is the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to Mary Kay Cabot when she hosted her Orange and Brown Talk podcast (via Sports Illustrated), the Steelers would pounce on the opportunity if the Browns cut ties with Mayfield.
The Steelers did pick up free agent quarterback Mitch Trubisky on a cap-friendly two-year contract.
While he is expected to try and contend for a starting spot, the landscape could change if Pittsburgh manages to find a way to sign Mayfield.
Aside from the Steelers, other teams interested in the 26-year-old player include the Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts and the Detroit Lions.
These are teams in need of a play-caller, so Mayfield would make sense.
He undeniably proved his worth by giving his all for the franchise despite not being 100% healthy.
But like most young players, Mayfield has his share of inconsistencies and immaturity thus far.
That could all change on a new team who may value and put him to better use.
Regardless, Mayfield is apparently unhappy at how the Browns have handled things. That includes not being informed about the Deshaun Wilson trade and finding about it on social media according to an unnamed source via ESPN.
“They didn’t inform Baker ahead of time, just as a courtesy,” the source stated. “It played out so publicly, it was just very insulting... It really angered Baker.”
From there, this is seen as the reason that led to Mayfield penning a farewell note on Twitter, something that came out when rumors of a Watson trade made its rounds.
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