NFL: Why Aren't Teams Trading For Garappolo or Mayfield?

The NFL offseason has already been something of a rollercoaster. Everyone knew that Deshaun Watson would probably find a new home. No one thought Matt Ryan would be on the move. Two players who were almost guaranteed to move this offseason are Jimmy Garappolo and Baker Mayfield. As soon as the Cleveland Browns acquired Deshaun Watson, it seemed like it was only a matter of time for Baker. The 49ers are investing in their future with Trey Lance. Both teams sitting on two potential starters seem irresponsible when draft picks can be valuable. So why aren’t teams calling for Mayfield or Garappolo?

When it comes to Baker Mayfield, he has shown promise in today’s NFL but promise doesn’t get you there. There are plenty of opportunities for him to develop into a better quarterback but his head has to be in it. There was a rumor of mutual interest from the Indianapolis Colts and Baker at one point, but the team chose to pursue Matt Ryan as well. What could be scaring teams off is the Odell Beckham Jr. of it all.

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Last season, there was a very public airing of grievances from OBJ and his camp over the lack of success getting him the ball. The blame was pushed on to Mayfield and while the team stuck it out with Baker, it was OBJ who had the last laugh. With his time with the Los Angeles Rams, Beckham Jr was able to show he still was a top-level receiver and would help the Rams go on to win the Super Bowl. The Browns would finish 8-9. Potential can’t substitute for leadership and if he can’t step up and prove he’s a leader, Baker might fade into NFL obscurity.

Jimmy Garappolo on the other hand is a bit more of a head-scratcher. His services could certainly be needed on a team that needs to push their younger QB. There are also a few teams with uncertainty under center that could use a boost. Jimmy G. has shown he can at least be a winner by doing just enough to not lose games. At the very least he compares to Alex Smith who was smart, took care of the football, and lead many winning seasons. He proved he could win filling in with New England. He proved he can win again when he first arrived in San Fran. His season was up and down in 2021 but still proved he could step in and get back to winning after the team toyed with switching to Trey Lance.

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Maybe they’re on bloated contracts. Maybe teams are scared off by their shortcomings. Whatever the case is, there’s still a good chance both find new homes, but what is the rest of the NFL waiting on.