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CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 09: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during warm-ups before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – JANUARY 09: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns looks on during warm-ups before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on January 09, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Quarterback Baker Mayfield seems to be getting his wish fulfilled in the upcoming NFL campaign as the Cleveland Browns are switching gears. The franchise seems open to paying significant portions of Mayfield’s salary to help with trading him away. It could be a welcome sign for the player’s fans as they hope he makes way for new Browns QB Deshaun Watson.
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According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the franchise appears to be willing to take a hit by eating a considerable portion of Mayfield’s guaranteed money. It signals a change of approach from the Browns. They were looking to completely shift Mayfield’s contract to his new team.
The total shifting of his contract was a great hindrance to any potential suitors and appears that the Browns are all in on Watson.
The #Browns have offered to take on “a good chunk” of the guaranteed money remaining on QB Baker Mayfield’s contract in order to facilitate a trade. (Via MMQB/ Albert Breer)
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) May 23, 2022
By signing Watson to a 5-year, $230 million contract, the Browns have their QB for the future. Despite wanting to be in control, Mayfield will be dependent on what Cleveland considers to be attractive to them. There is considerable interest from teams looking to acquire the former No.1 overall pick from the 2018 NFL Draft.
How do the Browns plan to break down the $18 million Baker Mayfield salary?
Among the interested franchises were the Carolina Panthers, who have been courting Mayfield for some time now. According to The Charlotte Observer’s Jonathan M Alexander, the Panthers were looking at Browns to get rid of the majority of the money. But they were rejected because their demands were a bit unrealistic for the Browns hierarchy.
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While the franchises are ready with offers, they remain unsure over the Browns’ demands and how they value the QB.
The teams remain wondering and trying to find the perfect combination of salary and pick for Mayfield‘s services.
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 15: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns gets ready to run onto the field prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
All the Browns fans will keep a close eye on how this scenario plays out for all parties concerned. The upcoming 2022 NFL season might bring the start of a new era in Cleveland. It could turn out to be one that promises greater things.
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Written by
Edited by
Deepika Bhaduri