Browns Change Course on Baker Mayfield Trade

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Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.

The Cleveland Browns have but to discover a commerce companion for Baker Mayfield however their newest concession might make it simpler to deal the previous prime general choose.

The sticking level in negotiations has been Mayfield’s wage, which is ready at $18.9 million for subsequent season. The Browns picked up his fifth-year choice final offseason after he led them to a playoff win however the 2021-22 season didn’t go as deliberate. Mayfield struggled throughout an injury-riddled marketing campaign, with the Browns going 8-9 and lacking the postseason.

The Carolina Panthers have been essentially the most energetic staff within the Mayfield sweepstakes, with the edges discussing a deal as lately as obligatory minicamp. However once more, the problem has been Mayfield’s wage, with the Panthers wanting the Browns to tackle $13 million to $14 million, per the Charlotte Observer.

Whereas the Browns are usually not keen to go that prime, MMQB senior NFL reporter Albert Breer says they’re keen to eat half of his wage to get a deal completed.

“They’re keen to tackle a good quantity of Baker’s wage,” Breer stated on Friday’s version of The Wealthy Eisen Present. “Like $9 or 10 million. So for folks on the market who suppose that Cleveland’s holding on to Baker as Deshaun [Watson] insurance coverage, they wouldn’t offer to tackle a reasonably significant slice of the man’s wage in the event that they have been trying to maintain him till there’s extra readability within the Deshaun Watson case.”

Breer went on to say that he feels assured a deal can get completed to rev up the QB competitors in Carolina.

“So do I feel there’s an answer to be discovered right here the place the Panthers can go get Baker Mayfield and throw him into a contest with Sam Darnold and Matt Corral? I actually suppose that that answer is on the market,” Breer stated.

Panthers Nonetheless Open to Including QB to the Combine

The Panthers QB room is at the moment made up of PJ Walker, rookie Matt Corral and incumbent starter Sam Darnold. Whereas Darnold is at the moment atop the depth chart, the Panthers have completed little to point out they’re dedicated to him or extinguish commerce rumors.

Darnold — the No. 3 general choose within the 2018 draft behind Mayfield — handed for two,527 yards, 9 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 12 video games with the Panthers final season because the staff completed 5-12.

“At any place, if we will make a big enchancment, we completely ought to,” Rhule informed reporters because the Panthers wrapped up minicamp on Thursday, June 16. “However we will additionally make a whole lot of enhancements by our guys enjoying higher this 12 months than they’ve prior to now, and I like the place he’s headed.”

Browns Teammates Assume Baker Mayfield Will Bounce Again

It’s been a tough trip for Mayfield for the reason that Browns acquired Watson however he lately obtained some assist from his teammates as he awaits a commerce out of city.

“I need to see him have success wherever he goes,” Browns Professional Bowl guard Wyatt Teller informed reporters throughout minicamp. “There’s a enterprise facet and there’s a private facet. The enterprise facet will get somewhat nasty, however the private facet by no means adjustments. We’re all a brotherhood.”

Mayfield obtained an analogous backing from Browns veteran Joel Bitonio, who had a reminder for these slandering the QB.

“Baker did so much for this franchise. He gained a whole lot of video games, he was a fantastic participant for us and I’ll at all times be a good friend,” Bitonio stated.