While Deshaun Watson was leading the Cleveland Browns offense on a trip to the Bahamas and then in the first set of offseason training activities, Baker Mayfield was left in limbo. As expected, Mayfield was not in attendance for OTAs this week as he waits for resolution of his time in Cleveland.
Given the voluntary nature of this week, Mayfield’s absence is not a surprise. Where things could get interesting is when mandatory minicamp rolls around.
According to multiple reports, Mayfield was almost dealt during the NFL draft. It seemed as if the Carolina Panthers and Browns were on the verge of getting a deal done until it fell apart, reportedly due to money.
Now comes a report that Carolina wanted Cleveland to pay between $13 and 14 million of Mayfield’s $18.9 million salary for this year in order to facilitate a trade. When that fell apart, the Panthers traded up to draft Matt Corral.
While Carolina may still have some interest in trading for Mayfield, it makes sense that they wouldn’t want to add a big contract given the presence of Sam Darnold’s similar contract already on their roster.
For the Browns, it seems that Andrew Berry is betting on someone else needing a quarterback and willing to take on more of the salary in a trade. Otherwise, the team may be forced to pay the entire $18.9 million this season, whether they cut him or keep him on the roster.
Mayfield stays in limbo as May gets ready to turn into June with no resolution, seemingly, on the horizon.
