As Baker Mayfield’s future remains in limbo, there is one thing the Cleveland Browns definitely know they will not do with quarterback: cut him.
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported on Sunday that the team has no plans to cut Mayfield, even if he is on the roster at the start of training camp.
Mayfield is entering his fifth-year option of his rookie contract and is guaranteed a full $18.86 million for the 2022 season, which the Browns would be on the hook for if they were to cut him.
On the other hand, the Browns may have difficulty in finding a trade suitor willing to take on that salary themselves.
The Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks have been linked to having interest in Mayfield, with a report in the Charlotte Observer that the Browns and Panthers had actually discussed a potential deal involving Mayfield during the weekend of the NFL Draft.
A deal was not reached, though, because the Panthers wanted the Browns to pick up a majority of the salary.
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There is still a chance the two sides could find a way to structure a deal, although Cabot noted the Browns may be better off holding onto Mayfield and wait until the trade deadline or a team is dealt an injury to their starter so they would be more willing to pick up a good portion of the salary.
The Browns also have the second-most cap room in the NFL behind the Carolina Panthers, so both teams could easily take on the contract if necessary.
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