Rumor: Mystery team enters Baker Mayfield sweepstakes

The Cleveland Browns are reportedly getting closer to trading Baker Mayfield but a new team reportedly has entered the mix

Throughout the offseason, the Baker Mayfield discussion has centered primarily around two teams. Knowing the Cleveland Browns were going to be moving on from the former No. 1 overall pick, the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks have been the two most interested parties.

In fact, the talks between the Seahawks and Browns have continued to heat up and there was even a report that Mayfield could land a contract extension with the Seahawks as well.

However, there’s now a belief a new mystery team is entering the sweepstakes. Michael Balko says a deal was close between Cleveland and Seattle until this new team came in, which could increase the leverage Cleveland has — something they have been waiting for.

The only question is — how true is this new development?

How much interest is there in Baker Mayfield?

FanSided’s John Buhler asked if perhaps the Browns were floating this idea out there to try and drum up some interest. It’s not outside of the realm of possibility considering how stagnant things have become. However, Buhler also pointed to two teams that could make sense as the mystery franchise going after Mayfield.

He named the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints — two teams that were previously mentioned as being suitors for the former No. 1 overall pick.

Of course, with each of these teams, Mayfield wouldn’t be the clear-cut starter. In fact, he could spend years behind Tom Brady in Tampa Bay if they truly saw him as an option to replace the GOAT.

As for New Orleans, they have another former No. 1 overall pick in Jameis Winston — ironically enough Winston was originally selected by Tampa and eventually replaced by Brady. Winston played well in his seven starts last year but a torn ACL meant they got a limited view of what he offers as a starter.

Still, there’s no guarantee Mayfield would beat him out, but he would have a better shot seeing the field there than he would in Tampa.

Another team to keep an eye on is the Detroit Lions where John Dorsey currently resides. Dorsey was the GM when Cleveland took Mayfield No. 1 overall and could use him to challenge Jared Goff — another No. 1 overall pick who hasn’t turned out to be a superstar.