Barring an unforeseen development, Baker Mayfield won’t take any snaps for the Browns next season.
Mayfield is currently in football purgatory, stuck rostered on a team that has moved on from him but a league also unwilling to pay his steep contract.
Next season, Mayfield is set to earn nearly $19 million.
While Mayfield’s time with the Browns ended in earnest back in March, when Cleveland traded for Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, the writing was on the wall down the season’s stretch.
But since the Rams hoisted the Super Bowl trophy back in February, countless offseason “milestones” have passed, with no action on the Mayfield front.
First, there was the rush of offseason trades and moves, including Russell Wilson departing Seattle for Denver, and Mitchell Trubisky who left snowy Buffalo for warm and sunny Pittsburgh, among others.
Then came the draft, where quarterback-needy teams were expected to make calls for Mayfield, given the draft’s weak quarterback class.
Still, nothing.
Further complicating things is Wason’s status for the season, which remains up in the air as he faces two-dozen sexual assault, misconduct, and harassment lawsuits.
And while the Browns could use Mayfield’s services in the event Watson is suspended by the league, he’s not coming back.
Instead, the Browns will rely on Jacoby Brissett in the backup slot.
Looking around the league, however, there are several teams who could use Mayfield’s services.
Here are three teams that should call Andrew Berry about Mayfield:
1. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have struggled to find consistency under center ever since Cam Newton left the team in free agency in 2020.
And look, it’s hard replacing someone of Newton’s caliber; he was a former league MVP and three-time Pro Bowler who led Carolina to the Super Bowl in 2015.
But the Panthers have stunk over the last two seasons, and poor quarterback play is a huge reason why.
Whether it’s been Sam Darnold, Teddy Bridgewater, Kyle Allen, or PJ Washington, Carolina has simply ping-ponged around trying to find a long-term solution.
Why not Mayfield?
Despite its flawed roster, Carolina still has a strong runner in Christian McCaffrey, who could lighten Mayfield’s load.
Wideouts like Robbie Anderson, Terrace Marshall, and DJ Moore are decent enough, though not the caliber player Mayfield might be used to.
Is it possible the move backfires?
Sure.
But is it possible Carolina finds some consistency under center and can then use the draft to solve other problems?
Certainly.
2. Seattle Seahawks
Like the Panthers, Seattle suffered through the offseason with serious quarterback turmoil.
Franchise legend Russell Wilson departed via trade to Denver.
I still think that Baker Mayfield ends up in Seattle for the #Seahawks and I think he has a great season. He’s going to have a huge chip on his shoulder and I bet he buys in to the Pete Carroll way.
— Mike Lupole (@MLupole) June 9, 2022
But unlike the Panthers, the Seahawks currently have a shortage of options in the quarterback room.
Seattle lacks a young player with upside, like Carolina’s Matt Corral.
Instead, the Seahawks project to start Drew Lock under center, with Geno Smith backing him up.
Mayfield is certainly better than both of those players, with all due respect.
But picking up Mayfield does more than improving the team’s quality, it could keep other players happy.
How long do Seahawks fans think DK Metcalf will stick around if the quarterback situation is unresolved?
Like the Panthers, the Seahawks need help in a lot of places.
And also like the Panthers, the Seahawks share a division with a recent Super Bowl winner.
The NFC West is a monster division, but Mayfield has proven capable of handling tough competition.
3. New York Giants
Is Daniel Jones the guy in New York?
The Giants don’t appear to think so after declining his rookie option.
"I think the Jimmy G & Baker Mayfield trade talks will get rekindled at the end of next week" ~@AlbertBreer#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/voIfWQthZR
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 7, 2022
That means this season is make or break for Jones.
Why not give him a little competition and see how he fares?
Mayfield is still probably the better player, but putting a little pressure on Jones could help his development long-term.
Or, Jones could flame out.
In that case, the Giants have another quality player to pick up the slack.
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