Deshaun Watson reportedly informs 1 team they are out of running

Deshaun Watson is inching closer to finding a new team, and at least one has been told they are no longer being considered.

Watson’s representatives informed the Cleveland Browns on Thursday that they are out of the running for the star quarterback, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

The #Browns have been informed they’re out of the running for Deshaun Watson, a source says. The team still views Baker Mayfield as their quarterback going forward. They told Mayfield’s agents at the Combine they’d only explore top-tier QBs such as Watson.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 17, 2022

Garafolo also noted that the Browns still view Mayfield as their quarterback going forward. That situation has quickly gotten complicated, however.

A report on Wednesday claimed the Browns feel Mayfield is too childish and want to move on from him. That isn’t really a surprise after Mayfield demonstrated that he couldn’t even handle the Browns discussing potential QB upgrades.

The Browns were probably hoping their interest in Watson might motivate Mayfield to have his best season, but instead the two sides appear to be headed for a breakup. Mayfield is entering the final season of his contract, and there’s a reason Cleveland has made no effort to extend him.

Watson has met with a handful of teams this week. His decision seems to have been narrowed down to two.

Photo: Jan 23, 2020; Kissimmee, Florida, USA; Houston Texans quarterback DeShaun Watson (4) during AFC practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports