The team reported high levels of interest in acquiring Baker Mayfield. Although Cleveland would pick up the majority of the bill, this would be an excellent transition for both teams as Cleveland proceeds to move forward with Deshaun Watson. Although Baker Mayfield is no Russell Wilson, he still led his team to the playoffs and re-positioned the Cleveland Browns from being the laughingstock of the NFL to an actual playoff contender.
Seattle could utilize a player like Baker Mayfield over the other candidates Geno Smith and Drew Lock – with all due respect, are two solid backups, but not starters in today’s league.
The Case for Baker Mayfield
Baker has a strong arm, competitive speed, and would be a respectable face of a franchise. He stays out of trouble, is very involved with social media, and would have a lot of supporters.
Since his days at the University of Oklahoma, he has been poised for the NFL level. Winning the Heisman Trophy in his senior year adds to his value and competence.
Mayfield has managed to produce over 3,000 yards in his four seasons in the NFL with a completion percentage averaging about 60% per season,
Why Not Drew Lock or Geno Smith?
Geno Smith stepped for four games in the 2021 season and only pulled off one victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Drew Lock has not managed to stay healthy for a complete season ever since he joined the league in 2019. Inconsistencies make it hard to make a strong case for either quarterback. So where do we look?
Baker Mayfield. He is the best available option Seattle has if they want to have a real reload with the aim at making the playoffs. Especially after losing Russ and Bobby Wagner, the team needs a new offensive leader to step up and get all the guys on the same page.
Pete Carroll is a run-first offense and after building up their running back core (Chris Carson & Rashaad Penny) and drafting a strong rookie (Kenneth Walker III) should help their starting quarterback out.
With Russell Wilson out of the picture, the team has made strides to strengthen their offensive line and their defense. All they are missing is a high-caliber quarterback who can deliver to D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.