Baker Mayfield's time with the Cleveland Browns appears to be ending following the acquisition of Deshaun Watson. Here are three realistic trade scenarios for the former first-overall pick:

Carolina Panthers Trade Scenario:

• Panthers receive: Baker Mayfield
• Browns receive: 2023 5th-round pick
• Salary split: 50/50 ($9.4M each)
• Panthers would need to pass on QB at #6 overall
• Must view Mayfield as upgrade over Sam Darnold

Seattle Seahawks Trade Scenario:

• Seahawks receive: Baker Mayfield
• Browns receive: 2022 4th-round pick
• Salary split: 50/50 ($9.4M each)
• Would upgrade QB room over Drew Lock/Geno Smith
• Natural fit after Russell Wilson trade

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Trade Scenario:

• Buccaneers receive: Baker Mayfield
• Browns receive: 2022 4th-round pick
• Browns cover 80% of salary
• Mayfield learns behind Tom Brady
• Potential Brady successor for 2023

Key Considerations:

• Browns want to avoid eating full $18.8M salary
• Trading to NFC team preferred
• Draft pick compensation likely Day 3
• Salary sharing critical to facilitate deal
• Teams must view Mayfield as potential starter

The Browns will likely need to subsidize Mayfield's salary in any deal, but getting draft capital in return while moving him to an NFC team would be a positive outcome for all parties.

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