According to a report by Josina Anderson, the Seahawks still have a “high level” of interest in Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and are even willing to give him a contract extension if he were to be traded.
Mayfield has been Cleveland’s starting quarterback since they picked him first overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. He’s gone 29-30 as a starter, showing flashes of brilliance at times but also long droughts inconsistent play.
The Browns have made it clear they are moving in a different direction at QB this year. They acquired Deshaun Watson in a massive trade with the Texans and gave him a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, making it clear that he is their franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future – even if he is suspended for the majority or all of the 2022 season. They also have a quality backup ready in Jacoby Brissett, who they signed in March.
This has left Mayfield in limbo for the past few months. Seattle is one of the teams that has been linked to him most often in trade rumours. The other is the Panthers, who will have to choose between Sam Darnold or rookie Matt Corral if they don’t acquire another QB.
Mayfield probably would have been dealt to another team by now if not for the hurdle of his contract. With his fifth-year option salvaged, his salary for the 2022 season (approximately $18.86 million) is fully guaranteed.
Latest reports suggest Cleveland is willing to pay around half that amount in order to transfer him to another team.
