Baker Mayfield posted what sounded like a “good-bye” note on social media.
Even before that development, it appeared Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns could be headed for a split.
Cleveland fans are waiting to see what happens with the Browns’ courtship of Deshaun Watson.
But if that deal falls through, the odds that Mayfield sticks with the team are dropping.
With many uncertainties, here is where my head and heart is. pic.twitter.com/psipN96cmh
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) March 16, 2022
There is also a chance Mayfield is not included in a final deal with the Texans.
That would make Mayfield a trade pawn as $19 million is too much to pay for a backup.
There are several teams in obvious need of a quarterback, some more attractive than others.
Here are 3 teams that could have interest in Baker Mayfield.
1. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle took on Drew Lock as part of the deal that shipped Russell Wilson to Denver.
But few folks believe Lock is more than a placeholder on a rebuilding team.
Mayfield could get a season to show Pete Carroll he can be a leader and run the Seahawks offense.
Baker Mayfield vs Drew Lock in the culture appropriation camp battle Seattle deserves
— Master (@MasterTes) March 16, 2022
Seattle has no intention of trading DK Metcalf, picked up TE Noah Fant, and they are high on Freddie Swain.
The franchise hopes to rebuild on the fly, and if Mayfield bounces back, they can save a lot of time.
Mayfield’s emotional personality seems like a match for Carroll’s rah-rah coaching style, too.
2. Indianapolis Colts
Baker Mayfield’s best option is probably the Indianapolis Colts.
This is a team built to win now and they have one of the most quarterback-friendly coaches in Frank Reich.
Reich is a master at adapting schemes to his quarterback’s strengths.
If the #Browns trade Baker Mayfield, sources tell @TonyPauline that his preferred destination is the Indianapolis #Colts.https://t.co/ftfZtanYXY
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) March 16, 2022
Indianapolis has an exceptional running game and a very good defense.
Wide receiver Michael Pittman could use some additional help, but it’s early in the offseason process.
Carson Wentz almost took this team to the playoffs.
3. Las Vegas Raiders
Should the Watson deal fall through, Cleveland should explore a deal with the Raiders for Derek Carr.
That’s not to imply Las vegas shows an inclination to blow things up.
But they do have Josh McDaniels as a head coach, the former offensive coordinator of the Patriots.
Two details on McDaniels …
• When the Patriots made their secret trip to visit Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield the week of the 2018 Draft, it was McDaniels they sent to Norman.
• McDaniels’ wife Laura is on the trip to Cleveland with Josh today.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 10, 2020
It was recently reported that New England planned to trade up to the 2nd position of the 2018 draft for Mayfield.
Mayfield’s selection as the top pick by the Browns led New England to cancel that deal with the Giants.
But if McDaniels has anything less than total faith in Carr, he might jump at another chance to coach Mayfield.
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