The Cleveland Browns are among the teams that are trying to trade for Deshaun Watson. Even if they don’t land the Houston Texans star, they may still have to look for a new quarterback this offseason.
ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported on Wednesday that Mayfield will “consider other options” whether the Browns acquire Watson or not.
After some conversations, even if the Cleveland Browns are not able to land QB Deshaun Watson, the sense I get is Baker Mayfield will still consider other options.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 16, 2022
That likely means Mayfield is contemplating a trade request or demand. Russini also noted that the Browns did not give Mayfield advanced notice that they were meeting with Watson, which is a courtesy the Atlanta Falcons extended to Matt Ryan.
This did not happen in Cleveland, per source. https://t.co/9mBXC8Ts8I
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 16, 2022
Mayfield made it clear late Tuesday night that his feelings have been hurt by the Browns’ pursuit of Watson. He issued a lengthy statement on Instagram that read like a farewell letter. The former first overall pick already knew he could be entering a lame duck season in 2022, as Cleveland has not made an effort to sign him to an extension.
All of this is a bad look for Mayfield. His play has been very inconsistent for four years with the Browns. In an ideal world, the 26-year-old would use Cleveland’s interest in Watson as motivation to have a big season and prove the doubters wrong. Instead, he is essentially sulking.
One of Mayfield’s former teammates took a shot at him on Twitter after the QB put out his dramatic statement. With Mayfield leaking the news that he could request a trade, we’re guessing others will feel the same way about him.
Photo: Aug 29, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is shown on the sideline during their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
