Google News NFL insider reveals what Browns will have to do to trade Baker Mayfield
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NFL insider Ian Rapoport explained that the Cleveland Browns will likely need to eat some of Baker Mayfield's salary in order to faciliate a trade with another team. The Browns traded for Deshaun Watson and, even though Mayfield's era in Cleveland is over, the team hasn't yet found a trade partner for the former No.
1 pick. Prior to last season, the Browns exercised the fifth-year option on Mayfield's rookie contract. Mayfield is now owed $18.8 million for next season. "Baker Mayfield would have been the QB for the Browns if they didn't trade for Deshaun Watson..
the Browns are gonna have to eat some of that salary to move him," Rapoport said on The Pat McAfee Show. Mayfield had a down year last season and in such situation teams don't want to trade for a quarterback that is owed nearly $19 million next year.
“I believe initially, at the beginning of all this, the Browns were hoping for someone to take on the salary and (give up a second-round draft pick). It’s not going to be that now,” Rapoport said. “The salary is fully guaranteed.
They’re probably gonna have to eat some of it”.
Mayfield knew the writing was on the wall
Even before the Browns traded for Watson, Mayfield knew the trade was coming and he penned a goodbye to Cleveland. "With many uncertainties, here is where my head and heart is," Mayfield wrote.
"The past 4 years have been nothing short of truly life changing since I heard my name called in the draft to go to Cleveland. This is not a message with hidden meaning. This is strictly to thank the city of Cleveland for embracing my family and me.
We have made many memories and shared growing in this process through all the ups and downs. "I have no clue what happens next, which is the meaning behind the silence I have had during the duration of this process. I can only control what I can, which is trusting in God's plan throughout this process.
I have given this franchise everything I have. That is something I've always done at every stage, and at every level. And that will not change wherever I take my next snap. Whatever happens ... I just want to say thank you to the fans who truly embraced who I am and the mentality that aligned so well with this city's hard working people."