NFL

NFL Rumors: Browns would change their demands in Baker Mayfield trade

Baker Mayfield's days in Cleveland seemed to be over a long time ago, but it's been months and he is still part of the roster. However, that could change soon as the Browns reportedly are open to changing their demands.

June 22, 2022 03:09PM EDT

Following an underwhelming 2021 NFL season, the future of Baker Mayfield in Cleveland was put into question. For months, it wasuncertain whether he’d return to the Browns this year. Oncethe team traded for Deshaun Watson, it became clear Mayfield’s time was over.

However, it’s been three months since that happened and the Browns have yet to find a trade partner. Not only there are few teams left who could still be interested in tradingfor a quarterback, but theirdemands weretoo high forpotential suitors.

But the months have goneby and it seems that thebetter option for the Browns is to give in. Cleveland’s stance so far was to trade Mayfield without paying any of his $18.6 millioncontract, but it looks like it would ultimately accept affording part of his salary.

Rumor: Browns open to paying half of Baker Mayfield’s salary

“Cleveland’s been willing to take on a fair amount of Baker’s salary, like $9, $10 million,” Albert Breer of Sports Illustratedsaid in an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show.“For people out there who think that Cleveland’s holding on to Baker as Deshaun insurance, they wouldn’t be offering to take on a pretty significant portion of the guy’s salary if they were looking to hold him until there’s more clarity in the Deshaun Watson case.”

Even so, it seems that they’d have to make an even bigger effort. Breer added that the Carolina Panthers, the most likely landing spot for Mayfield at this point, would only acquire him for a bargain.

“If there was a good deal out for Baker Mayfield for the Panthers, he might already be a Panther,” Breer said.“If they were in a position where they only had to pay him $4 or $5 million, then I think there is a decent chance that Baker Mayfield would be in Carolina now and Cleveland would have a draft pick for him.”

The Browns will unlikely agree to those terms, but at least they look willing to change their initial demands. Training camp will begin soon, and it would better for both parties to reach an agreement by then.

Martín O’donnell

Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of soccer, NFL, and NBA, with a specialty in real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Editor, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis.