How Deshaun Watson waiving no-trade clause to Browns affects Seahawks
By Lee Vowell
Deshaun Watson is being traded to the Cleveland Browns. Great. But this could affect long-term the Seahawks if Baker Mayfield goes to Seattle. And why would Cleveland, who so rudely said “no” to Mayfield’s request to be traded on Thursday after clearly wanting Watson, not now trade Mayfield? They will, of course.
Mayfield is still a young quarterback and, more importantly, being paid under his rookie contract. This means Mayfield will only make $18.858 million in 2022. His contract means if the Seahawks were going to add him, Seattle would still have room to sign other free agents that would have an impact on next season.
Maybe 12s wouldn’t be excited about adding Mayfield. But then ask yourselves, would you be happier with Mayfield than you would Drew Lock? And adding Mayfield wouldn’t likely affect the Seahawks number 9 pick because Seattle, nor any other team, is going to trade a first-round choice to Cleveland for a quarterback that the Browns are now basically forced to trade.
Deshaun Watson trade to Browns could affect the Seahawks
Yes, Cleveland could keep Mayfield for 2022 as a backup (assuming Deshaun Watson isn’t suspended by the NFL for all the reported off-the-field issues Deshaun Watson currently has and therefore Mayfield starts anyway) but why would they? The Browns assume Watson will play in 2022 so they might as well get something for Mayfield while they can.
The Seahawks could trade (at worst) a second-round pick to Cleveland (hopefully more like a third-round pick or worse) to get Mayfield, see how he plays in 2022, make a decision on what to do with him after next season and not lose their 9th overall pick and still be able to sign a good free agent.
Does this sound bad? Does it sound worse to take a chance on Baker Mayfield in 2022 than Drew Lock? What if Mayfield turns out to be pretty good, which he was before being injured halfway through 2021?
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The fact is now Deshaun Watson has been traded to the Browns. Cleveland will need to do something with Baker Mayfield. The Seahawks might as well make a play for Mayfield right now because adding Mayfield isn’t going to hurt the team long-term.