The NFL offseason continues to roll on, and Baker Mayfield’s future remains in limbo.
Mayfield is still a member of the Cleveland Browns, but the team doesn’t need him after trading for Deshaun Watson. The trade market for Mayfield has not materialized, leading some to speculate he might have to be a backup somewhere, either with Cleveland or another team.
It didn’t have to be this way, says former Browns star Joe Thomas. On his podcast with ex-Cleveland wide receiver Andrew Hawkins, Thomas explained his theory that Mayfield overplayed his hand and cost himself a starting job with the Browns.
Thomas suggested that if Mayfield had not released a statement that implied he was done with the franchise after they met with Watson, the Browns might have turned back to him after it looked like they didn’t have a chance to trade for the Texans quarterback.
Instead, Cleveland went back to Watson and ultimately landed him in a blockbuster deal.
Maybe if @bakermayfield hadn’t overplayed his hand, the @Browns would have never pursued @deshaunwatson … pic.twitter.com/laJBb8I3ZC
— The Thom & Hawk Football Show (@ThomaHawkShow) March 25, 2022
As of Friday, no trade for Mayfield was imminent, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
“It doesn’t seem like anyone is interested at this salary,” Rapoport said. “The at this salary part is key because Baker Mayfield is unlikely to be traded at $18 million. If the Browns are able to eat some money, or the agent and new team can come up with an answer to split or deal with his salary, I believe he’ll be traded. I don’t get the sense the Browns will release him.”
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