3 Baker Mayfield trades that still should happen before 2022
By Greg Newland
Baker Mayfield Trade Option No. 3 – Houston Texans
When the Cleveland Browns originally struck a deal with the Houston Texans for Deshaun Watson, it felt like it made too much sense for the deal to include Mayfield headed to Houston. Not only is the team in desperate need of a quarterback, but it would also be sending Mayfield back to his home state and giving him a clean slate.
My best guess on why this didn’t happen, the Texans are all in on losing as many games as possible in 2022 to have the number one pick in 2023 to get their quarterback. With such a lousy draft class in 2022 at the quarterback position, they may be willing to just take a year off.
I hate that strategy and I think any true fan of the team would feel the same. The Texans have over $52 million tied up in dead cap next year which would limit them to take on the salary of Mayfield, but I think a late-round pick in 2023 and taking on half the salary would be plenty to seal the deal.
Mayfield likely isn’t going to win you eight or nine games with this roster, but at least you can stay competitive. Remember, the Texans have multiple first-round picks next year (and second), so if they want to move up for a quarterback, they can certainly make it happen.
In return, they would get a highly motivated Mayfield who would have a one-year shot at proving he deserves a long-term deal that would likely come with another team.