The Cleveland Browns and Baker Mayfield continue their professional relationship the day after the 2022 NFL draft ended. While head coach Kevin Stefanski had hoped the issue would be resolved quickly, instead there is an uncertainty about what the end will look like between the two parties.
During the draft, the Carolina Panthers were in negotiations with the Browns for Mayfield’s services but chose, instead, to trade up to draft Matt Corral instead. Reports indicate that the Panthers tried to get most of the quarterback’s contract paid by Cleveland.
The other team that seems to have an opening for a starting quarterback is the Seattle Seahawks. While they brought back Geno Smith to compete with Drew Lock, who they acquired in the trade that sent Russell Wilson to Denver, few believe they have a quality starter. Mayfield himself believed Seattle was a good fit during his podcast appearance.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Seahawks may not have a lot of interest despite Mayfield being an upgrade over Lock and Smith:
According to @rapsheet, the Seahawks’ interest in Baker Mayfield was “lukewarm at best” because of his fit in their system.
— Gregg Rosenthal (@greggrosenthal) April 30, 2022
If Seattle doesn’t make a deal and the Panthers are officially out of talks for Mayfield, despite Corral needing time to acclimate, the Browns and Mayfield may be stuck with each other for a little while. The team seems unlikely to cut their former top pick and, instead, wait for an injury or problem to find a trade partner.
Seattle, Carolina or another team could jump in at any moment but, for now, there are no signs that it will happen any time soon.
