Cleveland Browns options at quarterback if Deshaun Watson is suspended all year

Cleveland Browns Option at Quarterback No. 1 – Sam Darnold

The rumors have been swirling for weeks about a deal for Baker Mayfield to go to the Carolina Panthers. There is speculation that the Cleveland Browns are willing to pay half of his salary for the 2022 season, so the big question is, what’s holding up a deal?

Even though the Panthers would have liked to get Mayfield at camp two weeks ago, I think Berry is holding out to see the outcome of the Watson suspension. If Watson is suspended for more than half the year, you could see a Mayfield for Sam Darnold trade straight up. A fresh start for both guys, and no monetary adjustments for either team.

I’m not sure I believe that Darnold is a better quarterback than Garoppolo, but I do think there is a much higher chance that this type of deal could happen. Darnold has struggled in his first four years in the league, but he really has never had any talent around him.

I truly think Mayfield is the better quarterback of the two but given the circumstances, a straight swap could be a win/win for both sides. Darnold would be given one more chance with the best offensive unit and coach he’s ever worked with, and Mayfield is finally out of the Browns hair and can stop being a distraction.

I’m not sure Darnold can take the Browns to the Super Bowl, but he certainly will get his shot to lead a great roster.