With news of a possible filing of the 25th and 26th civil suits against the Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Deshaun Watson spreading on social media, rumors of a potential trade for the Browns’ former star quarterback, Baker Mayfield, cast a dark cloud on Cleveland’s upcoming season. However, amidst the doubt and despair felt by Browns fans, there is always a chance the Browns’ risky contract with Deshaun Watson will pay off in future seasons.
The Carolina Panthers have been at the forefront of the recent trade rumors for Baker Mayfield. Minicamps began for both teams this week, but the Panthers will have to decide whether the importance of practice time at minicamp outweighs paying Mayfield’s $18.86 million salary. So far, neither the Panthers nor the Browns seem eager to fork out the majority of Mayfield’s salary, leading many to believe that a trade may not come to fruition this summer.
If trades fall through for Baker Mayfield, he may not be too excited about playing back-up to Watson. Mayfield has openly stated that he feels disrespected by the franchise and that their relationship has suffered so much that it is “too far gone to mend.” On the other hand, the NFL’s investigation into Watson’s ever-increasing civil suits is ongoing despite NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s statement that the investigation was “nearing the end.” Although the first lawsuit against Watson was filed before the Texans traded him to the Browns, Watson’s contract with the Browns guarantees Watson $230 million over five years, making Watson’s contract the highest guarantee ever given to an NFL player.
Now, all is not lost for the Browns. Let’s say the Panthers do trade for Mayfield. This means the Browns will likely have had to pay out a substantial amount of Mayfield’s near-$19 million salary but received some substantial draft picks in return. On top of this, Watson faces potential suspension from the league before any of his civil suits even see their day in court. Even so, the Browns have reportedly been sticking with their most expensive and controversial quarterback, likely due to a special clause in Watson’s contract. As Ian Rapoport reported, if Watson were to face suspension during the upcoming season, only his base salary of about $1 million for 2022 would be affected. Although there is no telling how long Watson’s suspension would last (if even given a suspension), many expect it to last multiple games, some even questioning an entire year. Whatever the case may be, if Watson is back on the field and plays to the same caliber that brought him a $230 million fully-guaranteed contract, the Browns may start to see some return on their riskiest investment yet in addition to any draft picks from a Baker Mayfield trade. Only time will tell how much payoff the Browns-Watson contract will bring, but much is up in the air for the 2022 season.
Great article! Curious what you think about Jacoby Brissett’s chance at leading the Browns to the playoffs in the event both Watson and Mayfield don’t suit up for them this year. Also, what sort of “substantial draft picks” do you think the Browns could net in a trade of Mayfield?
Thank you! I always like to root for the underdog, but here I think the biggest issue wouldn’t be if Brissett had the talent to take the Browns to the playoffs, but rather if the team can finally find some cohesion that it’s been lacking in past seasons. There is definitely some great talent on the roster, but until they can find some rhythm, playoff chances seem bleak in my opinion.
Now, the trade is hypothetical of course, but if the Browns really want some good trade picks, I see them likely picking up the tab on a good portion of Mayfield’s salary. Mayfield is no slouch on the field, and I think if the Panthers hold out long enough and Browns fork over the money, we could see maybe a second- or third- round pick and fourth-round pick for him. That’s just my opinion on it though, but I think Watson’s predicament may change it up!
What are your thoughts on the matter?
I agree completely! More and more reports are developing that Brissett would be the fill-in for Watson, and I’d say that scenario would limit the Browns ceiling next year in a stronger AFC North.
As time goes on, unfortunately for the Browns, I see Mayfield’s value continue to dwindle. Seems like the interested teams, namely Seahawks/Panthers, are not going to do the Browns any favors.
Another great article!
I didn’t know the Browns were risking so much guaranteed money in a guy with such a bad reputation.