Is Baker Mayfield Headed To The XFL?

NFL franchise Cleveland Browns currently remain in a unique situation with their talent-filled QB room in Baker Mayfield and Deshaun Watson. The uncertainty surrounding Watson and his playing status is pending, which has made keeping Mayfield a necessity. While the Browns are actively considering options to move Mayfield, the NFL might have just opened a door.

The league recently did announce its partnership with the revamped pro football league, the XFL. While their new partnership is exciting, it was clear that it will not be a ‘feeder or developmental league.’

But it does provide the Browns with a unique proposition and an option to offload Mayfield shortly.

CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 20: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after making a catch on a two-point conversion attempt during the third quarter against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 20, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

The Browns GM Andrew Berry is not afraid to take bold steps, as he did show fans with Watson’s $230 million guaranteed contract. According to Zac Jackson of The Athletic, both the Browns GM and the front office were open to discussing strategy for any possible solutions regarding Mayfield. Moving Mayfield in a deal to XFL might be viable and attractive for the Browns and helps shave his cap hit.

How can Baker Mayfield become part of the XFL?

The Browns will be looking to offload the rights of Mayfield to the new league. They can work out a deal with the XFL to send $1 million every year for the next 10 years, to distribute each year to Mayfield. Though Mayfield would then be released by the Browns, he will still have the option of signing with any NFL franchise he likes.

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The former No.1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft will have an incentive that could be pivotal in his next steps. But Mayfield would then become an advocate for the XFL and participate in their new season next year.

The league was bought by Dany Garcia, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital Partners for $15 million in 2021.

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 25: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns leaves the field following a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 25, 2021 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Browns 24-22. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

While the league will not only be building on the concepts like inclusivity, innovation, and co-creation, they will have a genuine attraction in Mayfield. It is a win-win situation for all the parties and a fresh start for the Browns QB, who did appear disgruntled in recent months. The XFL might not only have superstar backing but will also star on the football field in the future.

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