The issue is the Browns do not want to pay - they have over played and over valued their hand combined with the way they handled the situation. The second part of the equation is two-part 1) Mayfield is going to get paid 18.9M in 2022 - period and 2) Mayfield being in his final year is more of a problem than the 18.9M. Any trade is going to be a 1-year loaner unless the team negotiates an extension. Now a team would certainly take a gamble on Mayfield for 8M with the Browns picking up the remaining 10.9M and throwing in a 3rd round pick but nobody is going to pay 18.9M for a one-year loaner. The Browns screwed themselves royally the way they handled this. Like it's been previously stated, Baker basically has a "no trade clause" because of the way they handled this. In fact, the longer they play this cat and mouse game the less value Mayfield has to the Browns. IMHO, the longer the Browns hold on to Mayfield the more teams will look at the way he's being treated than his last played injured year. Especially considering this: what has anyone heard from Baker or his camp since he said he wants to be traded? For a person that has been classified as being immature a thousand times on this forum, where is he showing that immaturity? Mayfield was not the only NFL player that requested a trade this off season. I mean it wasn't Baker that quit on the Browns, it was the Browns that said he wasn't good enough to continue to lead the team so they wanted to explore upgrading the position when in reality, they were making an offer for that replacement. Mayfield is a FA in 2023 and because of how the Browns handled this no team is willing to take that gamble not knowing whether the investment is a 1-year deal or longer. I don't expect Mayfield to cooperate with the Browns in any way, shape, or form. This is what happens when you "screw the pooch!"
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