Baker Mayfield Rumors: Insiders Speculate Browns May Have to Attach Pick to Trade QB

Ben Standig of The Athletic reported that some people believe the Cleveland Browns could have to include a draft pick in order to get rid of Baker Mayfield.

The situation is similar to when the Houston Texans sent Brock Osweiler, a second-round pick and a sixth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns. The move saved Houston $10 million in cap space.

The fifth-year option on his contract will cost him $18.9 million in 2022. If the quarterback were to be released, the team would be left with the full amount in dead cap.

The team acquired Deshaun Watson in a trade with the Houston Texans.

The quarterback said that the relationship is too far gone to mend. It is in the best interests of both sides to move on.

According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, Matt Ryan was acquired by the Atlanta Falcons instead of the Indianapolis Colts. Standig reported that the team is comfortable with Drew Lock, despite the fact that the Seattle Seahawks have been considered a possible landing spot.

It leaves few realistic destinations for him, especially with the Carolina Panthers.

It's not likely that the Browns will attach a draft pick to a trade.

Spotrac says that Cleveland is not in a salary-cap crunch with more than $22 million left in the cap. His new contract has a $10 million cap hit in 2022.

There is no long-term commitment with Mayfield set to become a free agent.

The team can either wait for the right offer or hold on to the quarterback.