The hand has been overplayed now, but Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio just won’t let go of the idea Baker Mayfield should be a Detroit Lion.
Despite it making little sense dating back several months, there are some NFL analysts who won’t let go of the idea the Detroit Lions should pursue Baker Mayfield. In recent days, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has taken the baton by himself.
In looking at 11 teams that he feels should consider adding Mayfield, there are the Lions. Florio, as he’s done before, leans into the idea Mayfield is better than Jared Goff and he would fit the “vibe” of Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell.
"Those familiar with this specific web destination may remember that I’ve been trying to type this one into existence. Mayfield is better than Jared Goff. Period. And Mayfield much better fits the current vibe that coach Dan Campbell is trying to create than the California kid who landed in what must feel to him like Bizarro Oz."
Mike Florio won’t let go of Baker Mayfield to the Lions
In a more recent piece starting with the contradiction in reports about the Seattle Seahawks’ interest in Mayfield, while outlining the fairly urgent timing of a possible deal for the Seahawks or anyone else, Florio lands back on the Lions to finish.
"Regardless, if someone else truly believes in Mayfield, and if Mayfield is all-in with that team, they should just go ahead and do it. If it works, the extra stuff they have to surrender via trade compensation or salary won’t matter. If they wait too long, it will become harder to make it work — and they may not get him at all.Yes, Detroit Lions, I’m talking directly to you."
It’s possible Florio has sources who are telling him not to rule the Lions out as a landing spot for Mayfield. And it’s worth noting again how John Dorsey, who drafted Mayfield as the Browns’ general manager, is working in the Lions’ front office.
But as it makes less and less sense, based on timing, the Lions seeming to be totally committed to Goff this year, not being markedly better than Goff and his being a looming headache Campbell should not want/won’t want, Florio can’t let go of the idea Baker Mayfield should be a Detroit Lion.