Report: Browns will not accomodate Baker Mayfield’s trade request

Baker Mayfield may want a trade from the Browns, but Cleveland may not have plans to honor that request — for now.

Mayfield on Thursday told media outlets that he wants a trade from the Browns.

However, multiple reports said that the Browns told Mayfield they are not accomodating the quarterback’s request.

Browns have told Baker Mayfield’s camp they are "not accommodating his request,” per source.

— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) March 17, 2022

It’s hard to know what exactly is going on.

The Browns might be publicly saying they are denying the request so that they don’t lose leverage in trade talks. If teams know the Browns need to trade Mayfield, they might lowball the team in trade offers.

Or, maybe the Browns feel the relationship is salvageable and that they can convince Mayfield to return to the team for the 2022 season. If they think that is the case, they really don’t know their own quarterback.

Mayfield is upset with the Browns for pursuing Deshaun Watson. There have been other reports this offseason suggesting Cleveland was looking to make an upgrade at quarterback. Everything combined must have led Mayfield to feel the team has lost confidence in him and like he no longer should play for them.

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