NFL Rumors: Mayfield Fate Clearer After 2022 NFL Draft, Multiple Teams Interested

With the arrival of Deshaun Watson, Baker Mayfield may have lost his starting spot with the Cleveland Browns. A trade is possible but such is not expected to happen before the 2022 NFL Draft set for Apr. 28.

It is possible that the 27-year-old could be moved on Draft Day itself or after teams have selected their picks. This is expected to play a huge factor, particularly for teams who need a starting play-caller.

Among the teams linked to Mayfield include the Carolina Panthers. They have reportedly been in touch with the Browns regarding the 2017 Heismann Trophy winner. However, their level of interest will also depend on what they plan to do in the 2022 NFL Draft.

If the Panthers draft a quarterback, things could change. The Panthers own the rights to the no. 6 pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.

But other than Carolina, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com alleges that there are a handful of teams interested in the Texas native. Mayfield is set to make $18.58 million in the final year of the deal that he signed after he was drafted by the Browns in 2018.

Aside from the Panthers, another team being linked to Mayfield is the Seattle Seahawks. With Russell Wilson no longer around, Seattle is also on the prowl for a play-caller.

But like the Panthers, this may also hinge on whether the Seahawks would be able to draft a quarterback at the NFL Draft.

Regardless, both the Panthers and Seahawks could still retain an interest in Mayfield. A rookie quarterback would be an investment for their respective futures – meaning they would still need someone who has already played at the pro level.

Mayfield has sounded off about wanting to be traded after the Browns acquired Watson. The 24-year-old took exception after he was not informed about the deal and learned about it somewhere else.

“It’s in the mutual interest of both sides for us to move on. The relationship is too far fine to mend. It’s in the best interests of both sides to move on,” Mayfield said to Adam Schefter of ESPN.