Baker Mayfield Rumors: Browns Offered to Take On a Good Chunk of Contract to Trade QB

The Cleveland Browns have yet to trade Baker Mayfield.

Even though the latter is facing a possible suspension, his continued presence on Cleveland's roster likely isn't an insurance plan in that event.

"I don't think the Browns are holding onto Mayfield as a Watson suspension insurance policy. And I think how they've operated is proof. My understanding is Cleveland's already offered to take on a good chunk of his $18.858 million in guaranteed money for this fall to facilitate a trade. And a trade may have already happened if they were willing to take on more. Which is where this really does come down to value, plain and simple."

Why did the Browns acquire Josh and Jacoby if they were waiting to see how theWatson trade goes?

The team is preparing to go on regardless of what happens with Watson, as Breer argues.

There isn't much harm in waiting out the trade market. A better deal might happen closer to the season when teams realize their issues at the position or an injury necessitates a win-now acquisition.

It is logical to wait out that market rather than cutting ties immediately. Even if they pick up some of his salary, and get draft assets in return, it makes sense to trade him, even if they don't get anything in return.

One risk of leaving him on the hook for too long is creating a toxic situation. The last thing the ClevelandBrowns want to do is develop a reputation for leaving a player out to dry.

Even though he had a topsy-turvy four years in Cleveland, he was not a beloved figure around the city. While he showed flashes of being a player worthy of his top overall selection in the NFL draft, he struggled through injuries the following season. He threw for just 3,020 yards, 17 touchdown and 13 interceptions, completing 60.5 percent of his passes.

From a football standpoint, he was an upgrade. There are still things that need to be considered about the divorce with Mayfield. Slow-playing the situation makes sense for the team.