After an impressive run in 2020 that saw them fall just short of reaching the AFC Championship Game, Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns regressed immensely in 2021 and were not able to live up to expectations. It now leaves us to wonder what the future holds for Mayfield on the Browns and whether or not he’ll be back with the team next season.
Even though they’ve got plenty of talent and Mayfield has shown flashes of greatness and had productive seasons with the Browns, it may be time to make a change at quarterback for the 2022 NFL season. With that in mind, let’s discuss the four best trade destinations for Mayfield if Cleveland decides to trade him.
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Best trade destinations for Browns QB Baker Mayfield
This trade would involve the swapping of two Pro Bowl talents in Baker Mayfield and Russell Wilson who are due for a change of scenery. In Seattle, Mayfield would be an intriguing replacement for Wilson and provide them with a player who’s still tapping into his potential. Mayfield would have the advantage of playing alongside multi-skilled offensive playmakers in DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Chris Carson, and Rashaad Penny, which could bring out the best in him.
On the flip side, the Browns would be getting a Super Bowl winner and a high-IQ dual-threat quarterback who would consistently come through for them in the clutch while changing the team culture. This trade would also give Mayfield a chance to build something special in Seattle.
In a move that would once again have both teams exchanging star quarterbacks, Baker Mayfield could do wonders in Las Vegas. On the Raiders, Mayfield would have a deep and dynamic offensive unit at his disposal with talents like Darren Waller, Josh Jacobs, and Hunter Renfrow, among others.
With an explosive bunch like this, Mayfield could put up Pro Bowl numbers and might even find himself in the MVP conversation. Plus, the Raiders would have a younger option at quarterback who could lead them deep into the playoffs. If there’s a move out there that could change the narrative for Las Vegas, this may very well be it.
On the other end of this deal, the Browns would gain a veteran leader and high quality talent in Derek Carr who would be able to give the Browns more production on the passing front. If the Raiders want to break even in a deal for Carr, making a move for Mayfield could be a real game-changer for them.
With Jameis Winston set to be a free agent and the looming possibility of Taysom Hill not being their starting quarterback next season, this could pave the way for New Orleans to make a play for Baker Mayfield this offseason. Hill was solid for them in the last few weeks of the season, but if they want to make it back to the playoffs next year and have a consistent and productive man under center for the entire campaign, Mayfield could be their guy.
Plus, between the versatile skill sets of Hill, Alvin Kamara, and a healthy Michael Thomas, Mayfield would be able to elevate his play and form electric on-field chemistry with three elite talents who are proven performers. Bringing in Mayfield would solve one of their biggest question marks heading into the 2022 NFL offseason.
Now that the downfall of the Green Bay Packers has become more likely, this could be Minnesota’s chance to take the NFC North by storm. If they were to move on from Kirk Cousins and bring in Baker Mayfield, they would be able to get a leg up on the competition and outduel the Packers and Chicago Bears to rule the division once again.
On the Vikings, Mayfield would be able to add an exciting new element to their offensive unit playing alongside Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, K.J. Osborn, and Tyler Conklin. With Mayfield’s skill set, the Vikings would be able to climb the ranks of the evolving NFC landscape.