NFL world reacts to latest Baker Mayfield report

Where will Baker Mayfield play in 2022? That question may take some time to answer, at least according to one team.

CBS Sports HQ’s Josina Anderson spoke to someone from a team that’s “expressed interest” in Mayfield but was not willing to meet the asking price of the Cleveland Browns. Given that the Browns gave up a big haul for Deshaun Watson, don’t want to pay Mayfield, and that the quarterback has made it clear that he wants to be moved, the Browns aren’t negotiating from a point of strength. Teams are willing to wait until he’s cut, “not wanting to do the Browns any favors.”

This drew varied reactions from NFL fans and others in the NFL world. Surprise, though, was not one of those reactions.

What happens when everyone knows you’re moving on and a team has zero leverage. https://t.co/YCmCvELAqY

— Matt Lombardo (@MattLombardoNFL) May 6, 2022

At this point, the potential trade partners are limited. The Pittsburgh Steelers represented a sensible option before the NFL Draft. But their selection of Kenny Pickett in the first round made that speculation moot. The Seattle Seahawks would be a possibility. But comments from Pete Carroll on Thursday indicated that a trade is not likely. The Carolina Panthers would seem to be the most sensible option. But the Panthers — like the rest of the league — can afford to be patient.

Mayfield has clearly worn out his welcome in Cleveland. And while he’s still better than several starting quarterbacks in the NFL, that’s only part of the story. Even for an interested team, the only advantage of making a trade now would be to avoid a potential bidding war when he’s released. Any interested team that doesn’t land Mayfield can quickly turn its attention to the 2023 NFL Draft, with Alabama’s Bryce Young and Ohio State’s CJ Stroud leading a strong class of quarterbacks.

[Josina Anderson]