Browns-Panthers Baker Mayfield Trade Talks Fell Apart Over One Big Factor

It appeared the Cleveland Browns could finally part ways with disgruntled quarterback Baker Mayfield during the 2022 NFL Draft. Cleveland engaged in serious trade talks with the Carolina Panthers, but a deal never came and Carolina ending up drafting Matt Corral in the third round.

It's now been revealed there was one key factor that derailed negotiations.

Baker Mayfield News

ESPN's Jake Trotter shed light on the Browns-Panthers talks during the second round of the draft. Carolina wanted Cleveland to pay a "significant portion" of Mayfield's $19 million salary for the upcoming year, but Andrew Berry and company weren't onboard with that proposal.

"As talks intensified during Friday's second round, sources said Carolina wanted Cleveland to pay a significant portion of Mayfield's guaranteed $19 million salary next season. The Browns balked, and Carolina traded up into the third round to draft Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral, killing those trade talks, according to sources."

- Jake Trotter, ESPN

This news has to be frustrating for fans hoping to see the team move on from the former No. 1 overall pick. It's also a confusing stance to take after it was revealed heading into the draft the Browns would need to pay part of Mayfield's contract to consummate any deal.

Cleveland balking at that idea bodes poorly for this situation resolving anytime soon. Berry and co. are at risk of having to cut Mayfield for nothing given his basement-level trade value right now.

Until the Browns are comfortable with losing in any Mayfield trade, this cloud will continue to hang over the team.

Isaiah De Los Santos is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Isaiah De Los Santos also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username zayyy05328. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.