The NFL quarterback carousel was active last offseason, as nearly half of the teams in the NFL entered 2021 with new starters under center. This offseason, there will once again be numerous teams changing their starters at quarterback. One team that could look to make a major change is the Cleveland Browns.
Some of them are forced changes, as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw two legends in Ben Roethlisberger and Tom Brady retire. Others, such as the Green Bay Packers, could have their hands forced by their starter. Aaron Rodgers could be on the move via trade, but he isn’t the only big-name quarterback that could be on the move.
People are waiting patiently to see what the Houston Texans do with Deshaun Watson. But, that situation isn’t going to have an outcome until he can get his off-the-field affairs in order. Another household name to keep an eye on is Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks.
There has been some rumbling that Wilson could look to leave the Seahawks. A list of preferred landing spots was released by his agent last offseason and when there is smoke, there is usually fire.
While no formal request has been made as of yet, Wilson is someone whose name will circulate throughout the offseason. Plenty of teams would line up to acquire him should he ultimately be made available by the Seahawks. One of those potential teams could be the Cleveland Browns.
Cleveland has their own long-term quarterback situation to figure out as Baker Mayfield is entering his fifth season in the NFL. Mayfield has been serviceable, but he has not lived up to the billing as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. The Browns could look to make a change this offseason and Wilson could very well be on their radar.
Over at ESPN, they did a mock simulation of the offseason involving quarterbacks around the league. Wilson trade scenarios were presented and the Browns were in on the bidding. Their mock general manager, beat writer Jack Trotter, put together an intriguing package.
Trotter offered up Mayfield, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and a 2023 first-round pick in exchange for Wilson. Both franchises get what they want, as the Browns upgrade the quarterback spot while Seattle gets someone that may fit the scheme they want to run a little better. They also recoup the draft compensation they lost acquiring Jamal Adams from the New York Jets.
However, the Seahawks declined the trade in this exercise. Offers from the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and Washington Commanders are also declined as Seattle opted to hold onto Wilson.
Out of the seven offers, the Browns one was certainly middle of the pack. They offered more draft compensation than others, but Mayfield isn’t as appealing of a player compared to others that were offered.
