NFL Trade Rumors: Baker Mayfield drawing strong trade interest from multiple teams

Baker Mayfield, in a wild and shocking offseason that continues well into the draft, is still garnering interest from multiple NFL teams. Many teams have been linked with the quarterback during the offseason with no trade materializing. According to Brownswire, the most likely teams now are the Carolina Panthers and the Seattle Seahawks.

The former number one overall pick has made it clear that he’s not happy in Cleveland. Always one to wear his emotions on his sleeve, the jilted quarterback has posted his feelings on social media and has spoken his mind in interviews. In the 2020 season, the quarterback famously brought the Browns to their first playoff game since 1992. In that game, they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 48-37 in a crazy wildcard shootout.

This desire to move was amplified by the public interest the Browns showed in signing Deshaun Watson. Now that Watson is on the team, Mayfield is more eager than ever to move to a different city. If it were up to him, he’d be an Indianapolis Colt right now. Unfortunately for him, things didn’t work out that way.

There are a couple of teams with vacancies in the quarterback position who may be interested in his services.

The Seattle Seahawks decided to part ways with Russell Wilson this offseason, sending the elusive quarterback to the Denver Broncos. One of the players they received in return, Drew Lock, is in no way a replacement for Wilson. Mayfield may not be that guy either, but he’s got more experience and a better record than Lock and could offer the Seahawks a better chance at winning.

Which team offers Mayfield the best chance to thrive?

The Carolina Panthers moved on from Cam Newton two seasons ago and eventually landed former New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold. Although Darnold started strong last season, after injuries sidelined him the Panthers famously returned to Cam Newton. The one-time MVP, however, proved that he no longer has what it takes to run an offense.

In eight games for the Panthers, Newton threw for 684 yards, 4 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Alternatively, Sam Darnold appeared in 12 games. He threw for 2,527 yards, 9 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. As a result, the Panthers are looking for a new man under center for the the 2022 season.

Mayfield would be a clear step up for either team. With a steady coaching staff and weapons around him, he may prove to be an asset. The Panthers in particular seem to be a prime landing spot, with Robbie Anderson and Christian McCaffrey complementing a new quarterback. Then again, Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf could be even more beneficial to Mayfield’s stats. Last season, the Browns' quarterback threw for 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

The NFL’s wild ride continues in the draft. The pieces continue to fall into place. Where does Baker Mayfield fit in? So far, it's hard to say. Should the Browns decide to keep him, the rift between the quarterback and the front office would have to be repaired. At this point, it looks unlikely.