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QB Baker Mayfield, TB (2 Viewers)

As much as I'm soooo excited to watch Drew Lock toss 5 yard passes to the dirt next year....I would be happy if Baker came to Seattle.

Now paying for a long term Baker.....maybe not so much. 

 
Hypothetically speaking, if there was a Baker for Matty Ice trade, would ATL have to throw in a 2nd round pick? Ryan would put up better numbers but his contract is much worse and he's 37.


If I understand this right any team that trades for Ryan assumes his contract which is a $48 million cap hit this season and a $43 million cap hit in 2023.

That is insane.

If I'm the Browns I would rather have a disgruntled and injured Mayfield at $18 million.  

 
If I understand this right any team that trades for Ryan assumes his contract which is a $48 million cap hit this season and a $43 million cap hit in 2023.
Ryan contract 

You can look at the breakdown. Base salary and roster bonus is what CLE has to worry about. The signing bonus which is prorated, that all gets put on ATL, so I think they have a 40 million cap hit. ATL has 

I think his CLE cap number will be something like 23,750,000. Might be something that I am missing, but I think I'm close. 

 
If I understand this right any team that trades for Ryan assumes his contract which is a $48 million cap hit this season and a $43 million cap hit in 2023.

That is insane.

If I'm the Browns I would rather have a disgruntled and injured Mayfield at $18 million.  


I think a team trading for him would only be responsible for any cash they pay out. Falcons would have dead cap for any unamortized signing bonus.

That's why Ryan pushed back his 7.5 mil signing bonus to next week. 16.8 mil salary plus 7.5 mil roster bonus this year.

20 mil salary plus 7.5 mil roster bonus next year.

Baker is 18.8 mil in last year of contract.

 
By the way, the Falcons would need to make some moves in order to take on Mayfield contract. 

The only thing they could do is restructure Grady Jarrett or Jake Matthews. Which they've done already. 

They will take a 40 million hit for Ryan, because of all the other restructures they have done, for which players I have no idea.

Anytime anyone tells you the cap doesn't exist, they're wrong. The cap doesn't exist if you need to sell the future for ONE guy. 

But the Falcons and Saints aren't out there making their team better, because of the cap. 

 
By the way, the Falcons would need to make some moves in order to take on Mayfield contract. 

The only thing they could do is restructure Grady Jarrett or Jake Matthews. Which they've done already. 

They will take a 40 million hit for Ryan, because of all the other restructures they have done, for which players I have no idea.

Anytime anyone tells you the cap doesn't exist, they're wrong. The cap doesn't exist if you need to sell the future for ONE guy. 

But the Falcons and Saints aren't out there making their team better, because of the cap. 


True, but Falcons and Saints got there by kicking the can down the road.

Falcons could kick the can further down the road by putting 2 bogus years on the end of Baker contract (large 2023 unguaranteed roster bonus/salary) and converting salary to signing bonus. That would make cap hit around 7 mil assuming min base salary.  Baker would sign it because he's getting paid up front and then would be UFA when they whack him.

 
Ryan does not look like he had much in the tank playing indoors.  He’s not going to look good playing in December in Cleveland.  It’s going to be a downgrade from Mayfield.  
Roddy White-Julio Jones-Calvin Ridley and who were his starting WRs in Atlanta last season? 

Who was the stud RB behind him he could lean on throughout the season? 

Rookie Tight End you say? 

-I'll take the gamble Matt Ryan performs at a higher level than Baker Mayfield but I'm not sure Cleveland is the right fit in general. 

 
Roddy White-Julio Jones-Calvin Ridley and who were his starting WRs in Atlanta last season? 
MOP You been drinking and posting again? Didn't Roddy like retire 3 years ago and Julio was pulling Hammy's in Tenn last year....lol! 

I get what your saying though, the WR corps were not exactly the Rams/Chiefs last year....

 
True, but Falcons and Saints got there by kicking the can down the road.

Falcons could kick the can further down the road by putting 2 bogus years on the end of


Baker


contract (large 2023 unguaranteed roster bonus/salary) and converting salary to signing bonus. That would make cap hit around 7 mil assuming min base salary. 


Baker


would sign it because he's getting paid up front and then would be UFA when they whack him.
The fact that CLE immediately squashed Mayfield's trade request makes me think CLE isn't interested in Ryan. Obviously I cannot say for sure, but that's my guess. 

Ryan has value, his numbers are very reasonable, he should get a good pick in return. Why wouldn't IND be on the phone as well?

 
MOP You been drinking and posting again? Didn't Roddy like retire 3 years ago and Julio was pulling Hammy's in Tenn last year....lol! 

I get what your saying though, the WR corps were not exactly the Rams/Chiefs last year....
Good question, I was drawing the line that he has always had a top notch WR, sometimes 2 simultaneously and last year he was down to a Rookie TE as a I recall. 

Rookie TE-1,000

Russel Gage 700/4Tds

Cordarelle Patterson 500 yds receiving 

Matt Ryan had almost no weapons to throw to and people are claiming he's washed up. Send him down here to Miami where we almost got Ryan Fitzpatrick elected in the Pro Football Hal of Fame we were so QB starved. 

 
Don’t they have to refuse the trade request to retain any semblance of value in a future trade?

This isn’t checkers.  

 
Don’t they have to refuse the trade request to retain any semblance of value in a future trade?

This isn’t checkers.  
Correct. Saying we're denying your trade request is akin to saying Baker is our starting quarterback 2 months ago. Is it true right now? Of course. But if they successfully execute one of their other plans to acquire a QB then it no longer will be.

 
Baker Mayfield is due for an extension just like the little guy in Arizona. 

-Does Cleveland exercise the 5th year option and just keep rolling along? That would stop a huge signing bonus this off season which seems to be something they want to avoid doing. 

-Baker was taken No 1 overall and he's put in 3 full seasons(4 actually), he would expect to get a signing bonus of similar nature to other QBs in recent years. $30M-$40M+ and I would look at Dak Prescott because that is what his agent is going to want if not more.

This situation has many angles but Baker pretty much knows Cleveland does not want to give him Contract #2 and so he wants out of there immediately and that's within his rights to request but Cleveland is smart to deny him. 

You can expect behind the scenes that Cleveland is getting a lot of phone calls on Baker as we speak. Whether they take those calls and explore their options is anyone's guess but I would assume they are. 

 
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Refusing the trade request, then trading him later, means everyone involved knows the denial of the trade request was nonsense. 

CLE hasn't made any plans to extend him, and they tried to get Watson, so I think everyone knows where he stands with the team. His value is his value, I don't think making a public statement about refusing to trade him changes that, really. 

 
Baker Mayfield is due for an extension just like the little guy in Arizona. 

-Does Cleveland exercise the 5th year option and just keep rolling along? That would stop a huge signing bonus this off season which seems to be something they want to avoid doing. 

-Baker was taken No 1 overall and he's put in 3 full seasons, he would expect to get a signing bonus of similar nature to other QBs in recent years. $30M-$40M+ and I would look at Dak Prescott because that is what his agent is going to want if not more.

This situation has many angles but Baker pretty much knows Cleveland does not want to give him Contract #2 and so he wants out of there immediately and that's within his rights to request but Cleveland is smart to deny him. 

You can expect behind the scenes that Cleveland is getting a lot of phone calls on Baker as we speak. Whether they take those calls and explore their options is anyone's guess but I would assume they are. 
5th yr option was already exercised - that's done the May before year 4. 

 
-Baker was taken No 1 overall and he's put in 3 full seasons, he would expect to get a signing bonus of similar nature to other QBs in recent years. $30M-$40M+ and I would look at Dak Prescott because that is what his agent is going to want if not more.
Nobody is giving Mayfield that kind of money.  His agent knows that.  (Not sure if Baker knows that, of course).

 
5th yr option was already exercised - that's done the May before year 4. 
My apologies, you're right he is going into Year 5...certainly enough time for both sides to figure out a long term deal and that hasn't happened. 

If Baker blows up this year or even has a solid season by his standards or the media, Cleveland can slap a franchise tag for a year and beyond. I understand why Baker is a little frustrated but if he played better we wouldn't be having these discussions. 

Thanks for pointing that out, I had his Draft year mixed around. 

 
My apologies, you're right he is going into Year 5...certainly enough time for both sides to figure out a long term deal and that hasn't happened. 

If Baker blows up this year or even has a solid season by his standards or the media, Cleveland can slap a franchise tag for a year and beyond. I understand why Baker is a little frustrated but if he played better we wouldn't be having these discussions. 

Thanks for pointing that out, I had his Draft year mixed around. 
Agreed - the extension has been a popular discussion topic because it's an engaging one. The Browns haven't ever initiated those talks with him though. And based on what's transpired over his career I don't understand why anyone expected them to. Before this week I thought they'd run it back with him and if he proves himself then talks can begin, but if unsuccessful the year 1 franchise tag can be fit into the budget. If he shows that 2020 was the exception then the team moves on. I'm far less certain that's the path now, but it's still on the table if Baker stops pouting and gets his #### together.

 
Agreed - the extension has been a popular discussion topic because it's an engaging one. The Browns haven't ever initiated those talks with him though. And based on what's transpired over his career I don't understand why anyone expected them to. Before this week I thought they'd run it back with him and if he proves himself then talks can begin, but if unsuccessful the year 1 franchise tag can be fit into the budget. If he shows that 2020 was the exception then the team moves on. I'm far less certain that's the path now, but it's still on the table if Baker stops pouting and gets his #### together.
As unfortunate as it might be, I don't honestly see how he stays there in Cleveland. They have disrupted things too much and he can start acting like shades of these other QBs that pout and get their way. He can force his way out if he wants to. 

-I think it would be better for him to just quietly keep pressing them for a trade and point out the things you have been slow to do on social media as an example...but he shot his wad already with that farewell speech he tweeted out. 

Time could heal things but these modern athletes have fragile egos, just the way baker is acting about the whole thing shows a lack of maturity and I believe that has been one of his big criticisms. 

 
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I believe the key for Baker getting free anytime soon is going to come down to Jimmy G.

The remaining QB domino's are going to fall when Watson decides and both Baker and the Browns got to both be pulling he chooses Atlanta.

If Watson chooses Atlanta I believe that is going to put Ryan in Indy, Winston back to Saints and open up a Jimmy G trade to Cleveland, and probably put Baker in Seattle.

Long story short the Browns are obviously looking to move on and will give Baker his trade request as soon as they line up a viable replacement/upgrade and Jimmy G seems like he's the one QB who is available. and viable.

 
I would think Mayfield would be something like 4-120 to sign long term, similar to a guy like Tannehill. I don't see any team paying 40 million. But something in the 30-33 a year range is probable. 

If Watson goes to Atlanta, I'm not sure Ryan to Indy is likely at all. Wouldn't there be a good chance Houston would want Ryan, if for nothing more than another trade chip. I mean, what other players is Atlanta offering. They aren't dealing Terrell or Pitts. Lindstrom? Jarrett?

I don't see any scenario where Houston would deal Ryan to Indy if they got him. But then again, maybe they'd prefer somebody else. 3 first rounders, and Lindstrom, and maybe a 2nd since Atlanta has 2 due to the Julio deal?

Its going to be really interesting to see what goes down, especially if Watson goes to Atlanta. 

I would think Carolina would have interest in Mayfield. Maybe the #6 for the #13 and Mayfield? 

 
As unfortunate as it might be, I don't honestly see how he stays there in Cleveland. They have disrupted things too much and he can start acting like shades of these other QBs that pout and get their way. He can force his way out if he wants to. 

-I think it would be better for him to just quietly keep pressing them for a trade and point out the things you have been slow to do on social media as an example...but he shot his wad already with that farewell speech he tweeted out. 

Time could heal things but these modern athletes have fragile egos, just the way baker is acting about the whole thing shows a lack of maturity and I believe that has been one of his big criticisms. 
Agreed, which is why I think it's more likely he isn't here much longer than I did a week ago. I think the Browns had different expectations than I did though. I think they were prepared for how he'd handle this and probably already developed an informed idea if this can be fixed (if they're willing). 

 
I believe the key for Baker getting free anytime soon is going to come down to Jimmy G.

The remaining QB domino's are going to fall when Watson decides and both Baker and the Browns got to both be pulling he chooses Atlanta.

If Watson chooses Atlanta I believe that is going to put Ryan in Indy, Winston back to Saints and open up a Jimmy G trade to Cleveland, and probably put Baker in Seattle.

Long story short the Browns are obviously looking to move on and will give Baker his trade request as soon as they line up a viable replacement/upgrade and Jimmy G seems like he's the one QB who is available. and viable.
Jimmy G in Cleveland? 

Hmmmmm, I think I like it. It won't mean much in FF but I like the optics of that move and think he could get the Browns past the first round of the Playoffs. 

 
Jimmy G in Cleveland? 

Hmmmmm, I think I like it. It won't mean much in FF but I like the optics of that move and think he could get the Browns past the first round of the Playoffs. 
I'm not as optimistic as you and many others re Jimmy. He'll do just enough not to lose most games, but is always good for the one back breaking play in a tight game and will not vault you to a dub. I currently view him as the worst case scenario.

 
I'm not as optimistic as you and many others re Jimmy. He'll do just enough not to lose most games, but is always good for the one back breaking play in a tight game and will not vault you to a dub. I currently view him as the worst case scenario.
Agreed on the worst case scenario part. I don't get the Jimmy G hype at all. He'd be a noticeable downgrade from Mayfield in my opinion, and would likely lead to Cleveland finishing last in the AFC North. I'd say 7-10 would be my guess for the Browns record if Garoppolo is their starter. 

Garoppolo is a situationally dependent QB, who if he went to the Browns, would be downgrading his situation in almost every way. In SF he had a top-5 playcaller, the best RAC WR in the NFL, the best RAC TE in the NFL, and a top-5 defense to bail him out if he made mistakes. Cleveland has none of those things.

Let's not forget Jimmy G led the 49ers to 46 points in 3 playoff games, and threw 2 TD's(one of which any NFL QB could have done, where Deebo did 100% of the work) and threw 3 INT's, with at least another 4 that should have been picked. I'd very much argue, the 49ers won in spite of him, and probably would have been better with Trey Lance starting, and almost certainly will be next year.

 
If there's one thing this off-season has taught me, it's that my opinions are pure guesses and shouldn't be given much weight, LOL!

 
Remember at the end of Django Unchained, where Django got sold to the LeQuint Dickey Mining Co.? A fate worse than death, where Django would break rocks till his back gave out, and his dead body would get thrown in a ditch?

I could see Cleveland trading Baker to Houston. 

 
Remember at the end of Django Unchained, where Django got sold to the LeQuint Dickey Mining Co.? A fate worse than death, where Django would break rocks till his back gave out, and his dead body would get thrown in a ditch?

I could see Cleveland trading Baker to Houston. 
They do need a backup for Mills 👍

 
Remember at the end of Django Unchained, where Django got sold to the LeQuint Dickey Mining Co.? A fate worse than death, where Django would break rocks till his back gave out, and his dead body would get thrown in a ditch?

I could see Cleveland trading Baker to Houston. 
I would think if they were going to, he would have been in the Watson deal. 

Looks like Seattle, New Orleans, and maybe Carolina (if they aren't planning on a QB at #6) are what's left. 

 
That #1 pick privileged life is over Baker 👍

You don't get to be mediocre for 4 years and absolutely positively suck for the last one and then cry about where you want to go 💪

Browns got someone better. Colts rejected you. 

Time to self reflect and realize that no one else is the problem. Like an adult. 

 
Atlanta supposedly kicking the tires on Marriotta

Houston likes mills 

Saints seem likely to end up with jameis

49ers probably don't want to trade Jimmy g in their division

My guess is Caroline gets Jimmy and Seattle gets baker

 
What are the consequences for CLE if they outright cut Baker? If no team wants him?
He's on the 5th year option of his rookie deal. If a team exercises that, which CLE did, it's fully guaranteed. 

$18,858,000 

If they cut him, that's the cap hit. If they trade him, it's zero cap hit. So they have to trade him. 

Not for nothing, but CLE really screwed the pooch with the Baker situation. The NFL knows that cannot cut him. They need that cap space. 

I'm just trying to imagine Haslem on the phone with Baker:

"Baker you have a lot to prove, you aren't showing any loyalty, of course we will not respect your trade demand, and we will leak that information to the public. We don't play these games in Cleveland. Hold please, I have a serial sexual offender on the other line I'm trying to give a historic contract too."

 
It'd be absolutely marvelous if Baker and Darnold were in Carolina together. For a cool combined $40 something million

:lmao:

 
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He's on the 5th year option of his rookie deal. If a team exercises that, which CLE did, it's fully guaranteed. 

$18,858,000 

If they cut him, that's the cap hit. If they trade him, it's zero cap hit. So they have to trade him. 

Not for nothing, but CLE really screwed the pooch with the Baker situation. The NFL knows that cannot cut him. They need that cap space. 
Yep.  If I had interest in Mayfield I am not offering much

 
Cleveland traded Keenum to Buffalo. My guess is they're in no hurry to move Baker with a Watson suspension looming. Every win matters.

Why not wait to see if he increases his value & move him before the trade deadline?

 
Cleveland traded Keenum to Buffalo. My guess is they're in no hurry to move Baker with a Watson suspension looming. Every win matters.

Why not wait to see if he increases his value & move him before the trade deadline?
To clear 18 million of cap space to sign free agents.  Think Clowney, landry, fuller....

 
Odd that they would move Keenum, though.

Is there a way for them to clear cap space another way?
Ya mean like they did with Watson and Coopers contract?  Maybe, but at some point the money needs to be paid.

In all reality its probably better to get nothing for Baker in order to make the team better with free agents

 
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Atlanta supposedly kicking the tires on Marriotta

Houston likes mills 

Saints seem likely to end up with jameis

49ers probably don't want to trade Jimmy g in their division

My guess is Caroline gets Jimmy and Seattle gets baker
Well that all happened quickly

Baker and Jimmy being the last dominos to fall and Carolina and Seattle being the last teams with qb needs makes this a really interesting market.  Both have top ten picks so they could easily be targeting a rookie qb and just leave these teams hanging.  It feels like that puts the pressure on the sellers to get something done before the draft, and much more so on the browns because the 49ers might actually want to keep Jimmy for one more year.  This went from a seller's market to a buyer's almost overnight

 
With MM to the Falcons for 2 years, that leaves the music stopping and….Seattle as the only open seat? 

They might not have to pay much for Mayfield.

or maybe they wait for the Niners to drop JimmyG & Mayfield will be a backup? 

Increible fall. Wonder where he’ll land. 

 
With MM to the Falcons for 2 years, that leaves the music stopping and….Seattle as the only open seat? 

They might not have to pay much for Mayfield.

or maybe they wait for the Niners to drop JimmyG & Mayfield will be a backup? 

Increible fall. Wonder where he’ll land. 
Seattle and Carolina basically.

I'm starting to buy (what I thought was just trying not to insult a player on the way out) that SF will actually keep Jimmy G. 

Tampa Bay would be an interesting landing spot for Mayfield. Basically a better version of what Trubisky did a year ago, only unlike Josh Allen, Tom Brady might not be there in 2023?

 
Yep, he's the QB like the bridesmaid that nobody wants.  I can see a Seattle or Carolina signing however, but I'm sure glad the Colts didn't get him.  He's too much like Wentz.

 
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