The Cleveland Browns were vocal in their search for a new quarterback if a top-tier one became available. Apparently, they were a bit too vocal as their current quarterback, Baker Mayfield, wants out of Cleveland.
The Cleveland Browns threw their hat in the ring for the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes, hoping to elevate their current quarterback position with the Texan’s star. The Browns front office was adamant that they were transparent and told current QB Baker Mayfield’s representation, agent Jack Mills, at the NFL Scouting Combine that they would only explore “top tier” quarterbacks.
It was unclear how the Browns thought that this would go in their favor if they did not land Watson and Baker Mayfield remained as their de-facto starter. Well as of March 17, 2022, Deshaun Watson narrowed down the two remaining teams that he might sign with and the Cleveland Browns were not among them.
Prior to this revelation Mayfield already penned a letter to his fans in Cleveland, thanking them for the memories and support. Mayfield made it clear that his letter was not a goodbye, but a preemptive message as he did not know what the future had in store for him. The letter was titled “With many uncertainties, here is where my head and my heart is.”
With many uncertainties, here is where my head and heart is. pic.twitter.com/psipN96cmh
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) March 16, 2022
The public could see the writing on the wall and knew that this would not go down well with Mayfield’s camp. Mayfield already experienced a similar disrespectful situation in college where he transferred to Oklahoma after not being offered a scholarship after several thrilling wins as a walk-on at Texas Tech.
Mayfield, and justifiably so, now feels disrespected by the front office in Cleveland. 2021 was no doubt disappointing but Mayfield played hurt and his best wide receiver, Odell Beckham Jr, forced his way off the roster midseason.
Now instead of being rewarded for his efforts under adversity Mayfield’s bosses are looking to actively replace him. There is now an awkward silence between Mayfield and the front office in Berea and it would only get worse as we approached the beginning of the season.
Mayfield apparently does not care for the situation and on the same day Deshaun Watson eliminated the Browns from his possible destinations, Mayfield has formally requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns.
The news, which was reported by NFL Network insider, Tom Pelissero, stated that Cleveland was hoping to move forward and offered to fly to Mayfield’s home state of Texas to talk. Mayfield apparently refused the meeting and the feeling is that “the bridge is burned and it’s time to move on.”
The Browns have already responded that they will not honor Mayfield’s request and look for him to be under center when the 2022 NFL season begins in September. Mayfield would not be without his suitors as both the Seahawks, Colts, and others are actively seeking experienced quarterbacks in a slimming market.
It appears that the Browns have indeed created a rift between themselves and their quarterback for no reason at all, that may not be repairable.
The Browns have had considerable difficulty keeping, or finding, quality quarterbacks, and they may have just lost one of the few they’ve been able to nail down.