The Detroit Lions have made a trade with the Cleveland Browns for quarterback Baker Mayfield, but what are the long-term effects of this move?
The “detroit lions mock nfl draft 2022” is a mock draft that predicts the Detroit Lions will select Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The article also has pros and cons to this decision.
In retrospect, the Cleveland Browns’ win against the Detroit Lions in November 2021 likely signaled the end of the Baker Mayfield era. Which, given the fact that the long-suffering AFC team vanquished the beleaguered NFC team, may seem absurd to ponder.
Let us not, however, overlook the game’s repercussions. During Cleveland’s ugly 13-10 win, Mayfield chastised Browns supporters for booing the team. In a social media post she subsequently removed, his wife, Emily, questioned the team’s general “toughness.” Following the team’s recent acquisition of Deshaun Watson, the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner is now locked in Cleveland and might start next season as the third-string quarterback.
Wouldn’t it be something if the Lions snatched Mayfield from the Browns’ grasp?
Advantages: Mayfield could need a new start, and the Lions already have a strong young core.
The Carolina Panthers seemed to be the frontrunners to acquire Mayfield through trade at the time of publishing. Which would be a dumb decision given the fact that the club is currently paying Sam Darnold over $18 million. Although the Seattle Seahawks have been mentioned as potential suitors for Mayfield, there have been no serious rumors recently suggesting that the Super Bowl 48 victors will have him on their roster next season.
Maybe it’s time to bring in the Lions?
Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk recently floated the notion and proposed that Detroit explore acquiring Mayfield this summer. In principle, we can understand the move since Browns general manager John Dorsey, who picked Mayfield in 2018, is now the Lions’ senior personnel officer.
Mayfield is expected to make more over $18 million next season, just like Darnold. He’d possibly join a Lions club that features D’Andre Swift, a promising running back who racked up 1,069 yards from scrimmage (617 rushing and 452 receiving) and seven all-purpose touchdowns in 2021. As a rookie, Amon-Ra St. Brown had 90 receptions for 912 yards and five touchdowns.
Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell are two capable tackles for the Lions. After missing the most of last season due to a toe injury, Frank Ragnow, a second-team All-Pro center in 2020, should be back in the lineup. At the very least, Mayfield wouldn’t take over a team with an empty locker room, would he?
Cons: How does Mayfield improve Detroit’s quarterback plans in the long run?
The Lions held Jared Goff and the second overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft at the time of publishing. At this point, there’s no reason to think the California product won’t start next season as the starter.
For months, rumors have circulated that Detroit would choose Liberty quarterback Malik Willis with the second overall selection, and I have supported that decision. Kenny Pickett, a member of the Pittsburgh Panthers and a contender for the Heisman Trophy in 2021, is slated to visit the Lions later this week.
So, where does Mayfield fall into all of this?
For as good as Mayfield was at times during his four years with the Browns, it’s easy to argue that the Lions would be better served concentrating on drafting a quarterback. Rarely does a game of quarterback musical chairs end well for the team. The Panthers have attempted this strategy the last two seasons and still don’t have a quarterback.
Because of his fifth-year option, Mayfield’s compensation in 2022 is guaranteed. Do the Lions really want to give huge money to two quarterbacks and have a third, a first-round pick, sitting on the bench, even if Cleveland swallows part of that money?
Should the Lions make a move for Baker Mayfield?
Should Baker Mayfield of the Cleveland Browns be acquired by the Detroit Lions? | Jason Miller/Getty Images
I’ve already said how much I like watching Mayfield play, and I continue to feel he has the potential to be a good starting quarterback.
With that stated, I don’t think it’ll happen in Detroit, and I don’t think the club should sign him.
Is a healthy Mayfield a better option than Goff? Yes, but don’t forget that Goff is now listed as a backup quarterback. Detroit’s aspirations for him to be a long-term successor for Matthew Stafford were likely dashed early in the 2021 season. The Lions are targeting quarterbacks like Pickett and Willis ahead of the draft for a reason.
On paper, a possible marriage between Mayfield and the Lions makes sense, but the financial logistics are a major roadblock. That is the basic but painful truth.
The Lions are in desperate need of a fresh start, and I feel Willis is the best guy for the job. Mayfield, on the other hand, may be better off starting over someplace else.
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RELATED: Baker Mayfield Is Still the Best Quarterback in (Modern) Browns History, Despite His Ugly Departure
The “detroit lions offseason predictions” is a blog post that discusses the pros and cons of the Detroit Lions acquiring Baker Mayfield. The author believes that despite the fact that he was arrested, his talent outweighs his personal problems.
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