Baker Mayfield has preferred team, and it makes a lot of sense
By Randy Gurzi
Baker Mayfield has let the Cleveland Browns know he has a preferred destination this offseason, and it makes a lot of sense why he wants to go there
During his four seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Baker Mayfield had some issues with consistency and accuracy. Some were due to injuries suffered in 2021 but prior to that, there were some problems when the weather got really bad.
It’s no secret that First Energy Stadium offers up some rough conditions when it gets late in the season — that Lake Erie wind is no joke — and there were times it affected Mayfield.
That’s why it makes sense that he’s told the Browns his preferred landing spot in a trade would be with the Indianapolis Colts.
Baker Mayfield has informed the Browns that he'd prefer to be traded to the Colts, per sources. Earlier this week, prior to Mayfield's trade request, the Browns said they'd work with him on a trade. We'll see if they'll accommodate such a move to the AFC, though. @TheAthletic
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 18, 2022
Once the Browns unexpectedly landed Deshaun Watson on Friday, it became clear that the franchise would now grant Mayfield his request to be traded. It remains to be seen if they will give in and allow him to pick his next home, but it’s easy to see why No. 6 wants to head to Indy.
Why Indianapolis makes sense for Baker Mayfield
The first thing that stands out with the Colts is the fact that they play in a dome. Another reason this makes sense is that they just traded away their starter from 2021, Carson Wentz.
With Wentz out, Mayfield wouldn’t have an experienced quarterback with him as he would be working with Jacob Eason and Sam Ehlinger — who he really doesn’t like.
However, there are questions too. Indianapolis has a stud running back in Jonathon Taylor but their receiving corps is less than ideal. Having said that, this could be an easy path to a starting job for Mayfield and he would be in a dome for eight games at home and at least one more each season when they play Houston on the road. That could be huge for him.
Other suitors for Baker Mayfield
If Indianapolis ends up going in a different direction, or if the Browns just want to ship Mayfield off to the NFC, there’s another option to consider. Reports indicate that the Seattle Seahawks are also doing their homework on the former No. 1 overall pick after they traded Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos earlier this offseason.
This option could be better for Mayfield when it comes to receivers as they have D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett — assuming they don’t trade either. Their running game isn’t as good as Indy’s though and they play outside — and it’s often rain-soaked in Seattle.
Next. 3 potential landing spots for Jarvis Landry. dark
Cleveland should be moving quickly to send Mayfield to his new home and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get his wish with the Colts, but don’t sleep on Seattle either.