Baker Mayfield statement reads like goodbye to Browns
Judging from his statement on Twitter, it appears Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield might be exiting town soon.
Baker Mayfield doesn’t appear long for Cleveland.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Cleveland Browns’ brass flew to Houston for a meeting with Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, in hopes of trading for him. Hours later, Mayfield put out a statement on Twitter, with a tone of saying goodbye. It reads as follows, per ESPN:
Want $250 to bet on NFL futures?
“The past 4 years have been nothing short of truly life changing since I heard my name called in the draft to go to Cleveland. This is not a message with hidden meaning. This is strictly to thank the city of Cleveland for embracing my family and me,” he said. “We have made many memories and shared growing in this process through all the ups and downs.
“I have no clue what happens next, which is the meaning behind the silence I have had during the duration of this process. I can only control what I can, which is trusting in God’s plan throughout this process. I’ve given this franchise everything I have. That is something I’ve always done at every stage, and at every level. And that will not change wherever I take my next snap. Whatever happens.. I just want to say thank you to the fans who truly embraced who I am and the mentality that aligned so well with this city’s hard working people.
“Cleveland will always be a part of Emily and my story. And we will always be thankful for the impact it has had and will have in our lives. Sincerely, Baker Reagan Mayfield.”
Mayfield is entering the final year of his rookie deal, after going through an injury-ravaged 2021. To Mayfield’s toughest, the former No. 1 overall pick played through a nasty shoulder injury which occurred in Week 2 when he tried making a tackle against the Texans. Mayfield returned to the game and played in 14 games, throwing for 3,010 yards with 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Read: Mitchell Trubisky To Sign Two Year Deal With Pittsburgh Steelers
Perhaps Mayfield’s toughness cost him. Had the Oklahoma product sat down after being injured and allowed for proper rest, maybe he comes back and plays well. After all, he was solid in 2020, going for 3,563 passing yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions before beating the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round, giving Cleveland it’s first postseason win since 1994.
However, that’s not what happened. Mayfield played hurt and played poorly, and a Cleveland team many thought would compete for the Super Bowl won eight games and missed the postseason.
Whether the Browns acquire Watson or not, it’s clear they don’t much believe in Mayfield. At this juncture, trading him for draft picks appears likely, and there will be ample suitors potentially including the Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts and whichever of the New Orleans Saints and/or Carolina Panthers don’t land Watson.
We’ll probably know Watson’s decision soon, and once that comes down, Mayfield is the next domino.
