As soon as the Cleveland Browns acquired quarterback Deshaun Watson, Baker Mayfield’s days in Cleveland were numbered. In the aftermath of the Watson deal, several teams have reportedly been linked to Mayfield. One surprise team that could swoop in when no one’s expecting it is the Tennessee Titans.
Sayre Bedinger of FanSided cited the Titans as a potential surprise trade destination for Mayfield, writing:
“As much as the Titans might like to eventually upgrade over Ryan Tannehill, they might need to make an investment like this in a player like Mayfield who could probably have a lot of success with the supporting cast the Titans could put around him right away.”
Replacing Tannehill with Mayfield may seem like a downgrade on its surface, Mayfield will likely prove to be the better long-term option given the age difference. Tannehill will be 34 years old entering next season and is coming off a so-so 2021 campaign. He tossed 14 interceptions, the second-most in a single season for his career, while also accounting for 10 fumbles, tying a career-high for Tannehill in a single season.
Mayfield didn’t accomplish much last season, but it was reported that he was dealing with nagging shoulder injuries throughout the year that clearly had an effect on his game. In totality, Baker has had an up-and-down four-year career in the NFL. He was spectacular as a rookie, took a step back in his sophomore campaign, led the Browns to the playoffs in his third year, before everything went off the rails in year four.
With a stable environment, Mayfield has proven that he’s capable of winning ball games. The Titans are fresh off a year in which they finished as the No. 1 seed in the AFC and have one of the most dominant workhorse running backs in the league in Derrick Henry. When Mayfield can rely on his running game and doesn’t have to carry the load offensively, he’s been a very efficient quarterback. It goes without saying that the Titans can provide that sort of offensive system for Mayfield.
With the NFL Draft just about a week away, the Baker Mayfield drama in Cleveland may be coming to an end soon. Keep an eye on the Titans as draft week approaches.
