AFC Notes: Baker Mayfield, Browns, Ravens, Steelers

Browns

Browns QB Baker Mayfield said he’s not concerned “at all” about his contract situation with his fifth-year option in 2022.

“I think everything will play itself out,” Mayfield said, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “I’m not worried about it at all. If we win, we’re heading in the right direction.”

• ESPN’s Dan Graziano notes the Browns and Mayfield could potentially end up playing some chicken in regards to signing an extension. Right now, a deal for Mayfield would probably fall somewhere between the $32-$33 million a year range that Jared Goff and Carson Wentz got from their former teams and the $40 million a year the Cowboys just gave Dak Prescott. 
• Mayfield is eligible for an extension now but he could elect to play out this season and try to raise his value. Conversely, Graziano points out that the quarterback market is relatively set compared to when Goff and Wentz signed their deals, so waiting might not cost the Browns that much in the end. 
• Browns RB Nick Chubb is also up for an extension going into the final year of his deal, and Graziano notes the template for a deal was set last summer with multiple backs signing deals in the $12 million a year range. 
• NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport says he gets the sense the Browns will prioritize getting a deal done for Chubb and CB Denzel Ward ahead of Mayfield, who might not be extended until next offseason. 
• Rapoport adds the Browns are content being patient and collecting more information about both Mayfield and the quarterback market as other players sign deals, while Mayfield is also not necessarily rushing to do a deal. 

Ravens

• ESPN’s Dan Graziano writes that industry buzz has indicated Ravens QB Lamar Jackson should be the first quarterback up for an extension this offseason to sign.
• Graziano adds the word is Jackson’s deal will be the biggest of the trio of him, Bills QB Josh Allen and Browns QB Baker Mayfield, slotting in between Cowboys QB Dak Prescott‘s $40 million a year and Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes‘ $45 million a year. 
• He explains Jackson is the only one out of the trio of Allen and Mayfield who has an MVP trophy, which gives him an edge in negotiations, though he is representing himself which is an interesting wrinkle. 
• Ravens TE Mark Andrews is also eligible for an extension. While Graziano doesn’t think he has the numbers to challenge 49ers TE George Kittle and Chiefs TE Travis Kelce at the top of the market in the $14-$15 million per year range, $11-$12.5 million a year is much more attainable. 

Steelers

• ESPN’s Dan Graziano notes Steelers OLB T.J. Watt could challenge Chargers DE Joey Bosa‘s $27 million a year salary which leads all edge rushers when he signs his extension. Watt is playing out his fifth-year option in 2021. 
• ESPN’s Brooke Pryor believes Steelers RBs Anthony McFarland and Jaylen Samuels‘ history with OC Matt Canada should help them secure roster spots.
• She adds Kalen Ballage has looked better than Benny Snell during OTAs, which puts the latter on the wrong side of the roster bubble. 
• Pryor thinks former third-round CB Justin Layne needs a strong training camp to secure a roster spot. 
• She also thinks veteran Steelers P Jordan Berry has a tenuous edge over seventh-round P Pressley Harvin heading into camp.