I don’t understand the Cleveland media and their obsession with running QB Baker Mayfield out of town. They never complained like this when the Browns were going 1-31. Maybe they can’t be happy when the Browns have success. Each member of the media has their favorite replacement, even though the replacement they desire might not be available. Let’s confuse the members of the fourth estate with some facts.
First, not one member of this esteemed group has any clue what the Browns are going to do. I have no idea what the Browns are going to do. I do know the Browns have a plan for every contingency. They also have back up plans and back up plans for the back up plans. It wouldn’t surprise me if they had super-secret emergency plans to the back up plans. I trust the Browns front office to make the right move, not Tony Grossi, Mary Kay Cabot, Aaron Goldhammer or Dustin Fox. So, are any of these alternatives realistic?
Russell Wilson. Wilson is 33 years old and is currently signed through 2023 season. His cap number is $37 million and if he’s traded Seattle would have to carry $26 million in dead money and only save $11 million. The Seahawks are currently $39.7 million under the cap. Wilson has a no trade clause in his contract with four teams he would be willing to be traded to and Cleveland isn’t one of them. Not happening, he’s staying in Seattle.
Aaron Rogers. Rogers is 38 years old and is currently signed through the 2022 season. His cap number is $46.4 million and if he’s traded Green Bay would have to carry $26.8 million in dead money and only save $19.8 million. The Packers are currently $50.3 million over the cap. To trade Rogers, his contract has to be on the books when the new NFL year begins on March 16. Not happening, he’s staying in Green Bay.
Deshaun Watson. Watson is 26 years old and is currently signed through the 2025 season. His cap number is $40.4 million and if he’s traded Houston would have to carry $16.2 million in dead money and save $24.2 million on the cap. The Texans are currently $4.4 million under the cap. If you’re a Browns fan and complained about a certain recently retired Pittsburg quarterback and the claims he sexually assaulted women, get off this train. Besides, the Browns aren’t giving up three number one picks for anyone.
Derek Carr. Carr is 30 years old and is currently signed through the 2022 season. His cap number is $19.8 million and if he’s traded there is no dead money and Las Vegas would save $19.8 million on the cap. The Raiders are currently $23.3 million under the cap. While Carr has led many comebacks in games, he’s never won a playoff game. The wildcard in Las Vegas is they have no head coach or GM. Carr may like who they hire. If traded, the Raiders would need a replacement.
Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo is 30 years old and is currently signed through the 2022 season. His cap number is $26.95 million and if he’s traded San Fransico would have to carry $1.4 million in dead money and save $25.55 million on the cap. The 49ers are currently $3.5 million over the cap. As a 49er starting quarterback, Garoppolo’s record is impressive, 31-14. His stats prior to this year in six post season games were 64 of 102 (62.7%) for 730 yards, two touchdowns, five interceptions eight sacks for a QBR of 70.3. Not very impressive. I heard someone say he was trailer, not a truck. His injury history is also a factor. I’m sure San Fransico would love to take advantage of another team in a trade. It won’t be the Browns.
Kirk Cousins. New flavor of the week, welcome to carousel Mr. Cousins. Cousins is 33 years old and is currently signed through the 2022 season. His cap number is $45 million and if he’s traded Minnesota would have no dead money and save $45 million on the cap. The Vikings are currently $17.3 million over the cap. Much has been made of his starting record in primetime games, 8-17. The only reason his name is being brought up is because the Vikings newly hired GM worked for the Browns and head coach Kevin Stefanski is familiar with Cousins. Again, the Vikings would love to take advantage of another team in a trade. It won’t be the Browns.
Browns GM Andrew Berry is trying to build a team that is successful in 2022 and in future years. The Browns are not going to trade away draft capital for aging quarterbacks with big salaries. Mayfield’s cap number for 2022 is $18.8 million, that’s very affordable for a starting QB in the NFL. When healthy, Mayfield is a very good quarterback who can take the Browns to the playoffs. When healthy. I understand why everyone is trying to replace Mayfield after watching quarterback play in the playoffs this year. They think there are better options available. Not really. The Browns will roll with Baker Mayfield in 2022. If you want to spend some money Browns, extend Denzel Ward, sign Jadaveon Clowney, M.J. Stewart and David Njoku. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.