Getty Image
- The Cleveland Browns are reportedly exploring the possibility of trading Baker Mayfield
- Plenty of fans seem skeptical the franchise could get much in return
- Read more NFL stories here
It’s been four years since the Cleveland Browns selected Baker Mayfield with the first pick in the NFL Draft in the hopes the quarterback could be the key to helping the franchise turn its fortunes around following one of the most dismal stretches in the history of the NFL.
In order to do that, however, Mayfield had to overcome one major obstacle: escaping the dreaded Curse Of Being A Quarterback For The Cleveland Browns.
Mayfield has certainly fared better than many of his predecessors, as the 2019 campaign marked the beginning of two consecutive seasons where he was the only QB to start under center in Cleveland over the course of the regular season —a feat that hadn’t been achieved since Tim Brown did the same all the way back in 2001.
He may have managed to avoid being thrust into that revolving door, but Mayfield’s performance has still left a bit to be desired; during his time with the Browns, he’s posted a 29-30 record as a starter over a span of four years where the team has finished a single season with a winning record.
While the blame can’t be placed squarely on his shoulders, Mayfield hasn’t really made much progress when it comes to developing his skills and has actually regressed based on how his stats in a number of key categories have trended during his tenure—and it looks like the franchise might be running out of patience.
On Monday, Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network reported Cleveland has decided to start examining its options at quarterback and has already been in contact with other teams concerning a potential deal that would send Mayfield elsewhere (the news came in the wake of other reports that the Browns have been eyeing Deshaun Watson as a potential successor, although it seems unlikely that will pan out).
It’s safe to say a number of fans are skeptical the Browns could get much in return.
A 7th round pick in 2031, and $350. https://t.co/RHMSL4Jwju
— Kyle (@kredmondOSU) March 14, 2022
Guy is worth a bag of chips lol
— Dailyjointco (@dailyjointco) March 14, 2022
lol with who? USFL teams? https://t.co/RKV4bsg072
— Jabaal Abdul Simmons 🇵🇸 (@drone_jock) March 14, 2022
Mayfield gives about 0.1% trade value https://t.co/LmQQDDSEFZ
— Jack (@JackRichards97) March 14, 2022
Guy is worth a bag of chips lol
— Dailyjointco (@dailyjointco) March 14, 2022
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.