The Cleveland Browns were informed on Thursday that they are out of the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes, but they may need to find a new quarterback anyway.
Baker Mayfield told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that he no longer wants to play for the Browns. He said the relationship between him and the team is tarnished beyond repair.
“It’s in the mutual interest of both sides for us to move on. The relationship is too far gone to mend. It’s in the best interests of both sides to move on,” Mayfield said.
The two sides could be headed for a standoff. The Browns have said they will not accommodate Mayfield’s request, according to multiple reports.
#Browns have told Baker Mayfield's agent they are NOT accomodating his request, a league source tells clevelanddotcom
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 17, 2022
The Browns met with Watson this week, but he reportedly informed them on Thursday that he will not be choosing them. ESPN’s Dianna Russini says Cleveland went into the offseason with the intention of sticking with Mayfield if they could not land Watson, Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson. Mayfield issued what looked like a farewell statement this week amid the Watson rumors.
It’s possible the Browns do want to trade Mayfield, as there have been reports that they feel he is too childish for them. They may want to protect the former first overall pick’s trade value as much as they can.
If the Browns do decide to accommodate Mayfield’s request, it sounds like they have a veteran quarterback in mind to replace him.
Photo: Nov 21, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) walks off the field after the Browns beat the Detroit Lions at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
