Could Baker Mayfield to Lions Actually Happen?

The Lions were reportedly taking a close look at now Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett before the draft.  They ended up not drafting a quarterback, but many have speculated that because they looked at a quarterback prior to the draft, they might not be sold on Jared Goff long-term.

With Baker Mayfield still sitting on the Browns roster he could turn into an option should the Lions decide to add another quarterback.  The problem is the almost $19 million that Mayfield is owed next season.

As NFL insider Jeff Darlington points out, the Browns need to eat that money and get something in return for Mayfield.

From 247Sports:

“The Browns have to get out of their own way,” Darlington said on The Rich Eisen Show. “They’re not going to keep him on the team. That’s a ridiculous notion that he could still be on the roster this season. I understand they owe him $19 million guaranteed no matter what. But if a team trades for him, they’re not paying that $19 million. The Browns have to pay for most of it and until their number comes down, they’re not going to make that move. They see no rush, no urgency since the draft is over but that’s still gotta be the next shoe to drop. To think that Baker is on your roster after all of this is just a ludicrous concept.”

Is Detroit a good fit?  If you're going off of talent alone you would have to say yes.  Baker Mayfield is a better quarterback than Jared Goff.

But Mayfield is better than a few other starting quarterbacks as well and isn't getting much attention in the trade market.  He'll eventually find a new home, but probably not until the Browns decide to eat his contract.