Report: Browns don't plan to release Mayfield
The Cleveland Browns don't plan to release Baker Mayfield even if the disgruntled quarterback is still on the roster at the start of training camp, a source told Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.
The 27-year-old requested a trade in March after Cleveland pursued quarterback Deshaun Watson. Though Watson initially eliminated the Browns as a potential destination, Cleveland eventually acquired the three-time Pro Bowler from the Houston Texans.
Mayfield is under contract for $18.85 million in 2022, the last year of his rookie deal. Releasing the signal-caller wouldn't make sense for the Browns financially, as they would still have to take the hit of his fully guaranteed contract this upcoming season.
Mayfield has been linked to the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks. Carolina and Cleveland discussed a potential trade during the 2022 NFL Draft, but the Browns weren't willing to pay most of Mayfield's salary as part of the deal proposed by the Panthers, reports Jonathan M. Alexander of The Charlotte Observer.
Carolina ended up adding a quarterback in the draft, selecting Matt Corral in the third round.
A shoulder injury bothered Mayfield for most of the 2021 season, limiting him to just 17 touchdown passes against 13 interceptions in 14 games. He underwent surgery this offseason.
Cleveland also signed veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett in free agency. The NFL has yet to announce whether it'll suspend Watson this year.