Source: Mayfield requests trade after Browns chase Watson
TOM WITHERS AP Sports Writer
Baker Mayfield wants out of Cleveland immediately. The Browns aren’t willing to let him go just yet.
And once again, a team with endless quarterback issues is dealing with another major mess.
Mayfield requested to be traded by the Browns on Thursday after the team failed in its pursuit of controversial Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson, two people familiar with the discussions told The Associated Press on Thursday.
Mayfield asked to be dealt shortly after the Browns were told by Watson and his representatives that the three-time Pro Bowler wasn’t waiving his no-trade clause to come to Cleveland, said the people who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.
The team, in turn, denied Mayfield’s demand, said one person with knowledge of the Browns’ decision.
It’s a stunning descent for Mayfield, who just 15 months ago led Cleveland to its first playoff appearance in nearly 20 years and first postseason win since 1994.
The Browns’ strong interest in Watson angered Mayfield, who is coming off a rough 2021 season followed by shoulder surgery in January. The overtures toward one of the NFL’s top QBs appears to have ended Mayfield’s tumultuous four-year run in Cleveland.
“It’s in the mutual interest of both sides for us to move on,” Mayfield told ESPN. “The relationship is too far gone to mend. It’s in the best interests of both sides to move on.”
Led by Cleveland owner Jimmy Haslam, the Browns sent a delegation to Houston on Tuesday and made a presentation hoping to entice Watson, who became a potential option for them after a grand jury declined to indict him last week on sexual misconduct claims brought by 22 women.
Watson is also being pursed by Atlanta, New Orleans and Carolina.
The Browns’ trip triggered a strong reaction from Mayfield. He ended his social media hiatus by posting what read like a goodbye letter on Twitter and Instagram, expressing disappointment and confusion over the situation.
“I have no clue what happens next, which is the meaning behind the silence I have had during the duration of this process,” Mayfield wrote. “I can only control what I can, which is trusting in God’s plan throughout this process.
“I have 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.”
Mayfield, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2018, is under contract for one more season at $18.8 million, the final year of his rookie deal. He’s been eligible for a long-term extension, but the Browns haven’t offered one.
The team seems willing to rectify the current situation with Mayfield. But that looks like a formidable challenge now that Cleveland has shown it doesn’t believe Mayfield is the one to take it to the top of the AFC.
Because he’s under contractual control, Mayfield can’t go anywhere unless he doesn’t want to play.
It wasn’t long ago the Browns appeared to have finally moved on from drama that has plagued the organization for years. But the rift with Mayfield is at the least a public relations headache, if not a setback.
While there are no current plans to trade Mayfield, it’s possible the Browns will be approached by other teams interested in the 26-year-old. Indianapolis and Seattle could both be landing spots for the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner, who is 30-31 as an NFL starter.
If Mayfield is dealt, Cleveland would need a starting quarterback and could explore trades for San Francisco’s Jimmy Garoppolo or Green Bay’s Jordan Love. There’s also a free-agent market to consider with Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston among the current QBs looking for a new team.
There’s also the draft. Cleveland has the No. 13 pick and could use it to select a prospect to groom as its future starter or sit behind an established veteran.
The Browns have a plan.
At the moment, Mayfield isn’t part of it.
Paul Sullivan: With Aaron Rodgers and Phil Mickelson around, we could all use a break from the world of sports
— 2021 record, finish: 3-14, last in AFC South
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 125-to-1 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
— Reason for optimism: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The 2021 No. 1 overall pick has been a star since high school, when he was the top-ranked recruit in the country. Then he won a national championship as a true freshman to kick-start a record-setting career at Clemson. He struggled as a rookie, throwing a league-leading 17 interceptions while getting little help from his offensive line and wide receivers, but he’s still the same elite prospect that was considered one of the best to enter the league since Andrew Luck. With 11 draft picks, including No. 1 overall, plus nearly $60 million in salary cap space, the Jaguars have the resources to get Lawrence the help he needs to succeed. Not to mention, replacing Urban Meyer with former Super Bowl champion Doug Pederson might be the biggest head coaching upgrade of the offseason.
— Reason for skepticism: A porous defense. The Jags’ unit finished 31st in Football Outsiders’ DVOA rankings, ahead of only the New York Jets. Outside of edge rusher Josh Allen and cornerbacks Shaquill Griffin and Tyson Campbell, there aren’t many building blocks here. The Bengals brought in seven new starters in 2021 to help fix one of the league’s worst defenses. Jacksonville might need a similar overhaul to compete for a playoff spot in 2022.
— 2021 record, finish: 3-14, last in AFC South
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 125-to-1 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
— Reason for optimism: Quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The 2021 No. 1 overall pick has been a star since high school, when he was the top-ranked recruit in the country. Then he won a national championship as a true freshman to kick-start a record-setting career at Clemson. He struggled as a rookie, throwing a league-leading 17 interceptions while getting little help from his offensive line and wide receivers, but he’s still the same elite prospect that was considered one of the best to enter the league since Andrew Luck. With 11 draft picks, including No. 1 overall, plus nearly $60 million in salary cap space, the Jaguars have the resources to get Lawrence the help he needs to succeed. Not to mention, replacing Urban Meyer with former Super Bowl champion Doug Pederson might be the biggest head coaching upgrade of the offseason.
— Reason for skepticism: A porous defense. The Jags’ unit finished 31st in Football Outsiders’ DVOA rankings, ahead of only the New York Jets. Outside of edge rusher Josh Allen and cornerbacks Shaquill Griffin and Tyson Campbell, there aren’t many building blocks here. The Bengals brought in seven new starters in 2021 to help fix one of the league’s worst defenses. Jacksonville might need a similar overhaul to compete for a playoff spot in 2022.
Paul Sullivan: With Aaron Rodgers and Phil Mickelson around, we could all use a break from the world of sports
Bruce Kluckhohn
— 2021 record, finish: 6-11, third in NFC North
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 80-to-1
— Reason for optimism: A new approach. After firing coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace, the Bears hired Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and longtime Kansas City Chiefs executive Ryan Poles to lead the franchise. Eberflus brought in Green Bay Packers passing game coordinator Luke Getsy, who made it clear he wants to build his offense around young quarterback Justin Fields’ strengths. If Getsy can unlock the former Ohio State star’s dual-threat abilities, something Nagy never figured out during his tenure, the Bears’ offense should be much better than the unit that finished 26th in DVOA last season.
— Reason for skepticism: Too many holes to fill. The Bears enter the offseason with their top wide receiver (Allen Robinson), top defensive lineman (Akiem Hicks) and two of their starting offensive linemen (left tackle Jason Peters and right guard James Daniels) set to hit free agency. Rebuilding through the draft will be difficult, with Chicago owning just two top-100 picks (Nos. 39 and 71) after trading up to select Fields at No. 11 overall last year. It’s going to be difficult for the Bears to restock their receiver corps and upgrade their offensive line in one offseason, not to mention fix a defense that took a big step backward in 2021.
Bruce Kluckhohn
— 2021 record, finish: 6-11, third in NFC North
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 80-to-1
— Reason for optimism: A new approach. After firing coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace, the Bears hired Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus and longtime Kansas City Chiefs executive Ryan Poles to lead the franchise. Eberflus brought in Green Bay Packers passing game coordinator Luke Getsy, who made it clear he wants to build his offense around young quarterback Justin Fields’ strengths. If Getsy can unlock the former Ohio State star’s dual-threat abilities, something Nagy never figured out during his tenure, the Bears’ offense should be much better than the unit that finished 26th in DVOA last season.
— Reason for skepticism: Too many holes to fill. The Bears enter the offseason with their top wide receiver (Allen Robinson), top defensive lineman (Akiem Hicks) and two of their starting offensive linemen (left tackle Jason Peters and right guard James Daniels) set to hit free agency. Rebuilding through the draft will be difficult, with Chicago owning just two top-100 picks (Nos. 39 and 71) after trading up to select Fields at No. 11 overall last year. It’s going to be difficult for the Bears to restock their receiver corps and upgrade their offensive line in one offseason, not to mention fix a defense that took a big step backward in 2021.
Paul Sullivan: With Aaron Rodgers and Phil Mickelson around, we could all use a break from the world of sports
Bill Kostroun
— 2021 record, finish: 7-10, third in NFC East
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 60-to-1
— Reason for optimism: A solid roster. Defensive end Chase Young and wide receiver Terry McLaurin are the headliners, but there’s plenty of talent on this team. Jonathan Allen is one of the best interior defenders in the league, cornerback Kendall Fuller is coming off a Pro Bowl-worthy season and rookie Samuel Cosmi looked like a cornerstone piece at right tackle. Speedy wide receiver Curtis Samuel is set to return after missing nearly the entire 2021 season, adding a crucial big-play threat on offense. A young, deep offensive line played much better than expected, too, though it could lose Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff in free agency.
— Reason for skepticism: Uncertainty at quarterback. A one-year deal for veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick provided just 16 snaps, while Taylor Heinicke’s extended audition as the starter ended in disappointment. If Washington makes a big play for a veteran like Jimmy Garoppolo, Derek Carr or even Russell Wilson, it could contend in a watered-down NFC. There’s also a chance that a quarterback the Commanders decide to pick in the first round — Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell or Matt Corral — turns into an overnight sensation.
Bill Kostroun
— 2021 record, finish: 7-10, third in NFC East
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 60-to-1
— Reason for optimism: A solid roster. Defensive end Chase Young and wide receiver Terry McLaurin are the headliners, but there’s plenty of talent on this team. Jonathan Allen is one of the best interior defenders in the league, cornerback Kendall Fuller is coming off a Pro Bowl-worthy season and rookie Samuel Cosmi looked like a cornerstone piece at right tackle. Speedy wide receiver Curtis Samuel is set to return after missing nearly the entire 2021 season, adding a crucial big-play threat on offense. A young, deep offensive line played much better than expected, too, though it could lose Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff in free agency.
— Reason for skepticism: Uncertainty at quarterback. A one-year deal for veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick provided just 16 snaps, while Taylor Heinicke’s extended audition as the starter ended in disappointment. If Washington makes a big play for a veteran like Jimmy Garoppolo, Derek Carr or even Russell Wilson, it could contend in a watered-down NFC. There’s also a chance that a quarterback the Commanders decide to pick in the first round — Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Sam Howell or Matt Corral — turns into an overnight sensation.
Paul Sullivan: With Aaron Rodgers and Phil Mickelson around, we could all use a break from the world of sports
Bill Kostroun
— 2021 record, finish: 4-13, last in NFC East
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 100-to-1
— Reason for optimism: Brian Daboll. The new Giants coach worked wonders with Josh Allen as the offensive coordinator in Buffalo, helping turn the raw, inaccurate passer into one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Daniel Jones isn’t as talented as Allen, but the former No. 6 overall pick has shown enough potential in his first two seasons that a mini-leap under Daboll isn’t inconceivable. With star running back Saquon Barkley another year removed from a torn ACL and wide receivers Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney returning — plus whoever the Giants add with the No. 5 and No. 7 overall picks — there should be enough talent here for Jones and Daboll to work with.
— Reason for skepticism: The offensive line. Burrow proved he could overcome poor protection and still lead the Bengals to the Super Bowl, but Jones has never shown the same level of pocket awareness or field vision as the 2019 Heisman Trophy winner. For Jones to have any chance of improving, the Giants need to get better in the trenches, particularly on the interior. New York’s offensive line ended the 2021 season ranked 30th by Pro Football Focus, ahead of only the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins.
Bill Kostroun
— 2021 record, finish: 4-13, last in NFC East
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 100-to-1
— Reason for optimism: Brian Daboll. The new Giants coach worked wonders with Josh Allen as the offensive coordinator in Buffalo, helping turn the raw, inaccurate passer into one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Daniel Jones isn’t as talented as Allen, but the former No. 6 overall pick has shown enough potential in his first two seasons that a mini-leap under Daboll isn’t inconceivable. With star running back Saquon Barkley another year removed from a torn ACL and wide receivers Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney returning — plus whoever the Giants add with the No. 5 and No. 7 overall picks — there should be enough talent here for Jones and Daboll to work with.
— Reason for skepticism: The offensive line. Burrow proved he could overcome poor protection and still lead the Bengals to the Super Bowl, but Jones has never shown the same level of pocket awareness or field vision as the 2019 Heisman Trophy winner. For Jones to have any chance of improving, the Giants need to get better in the trenches, particularly on the interior. New York’s offensive line ended the 2021 season ranked 30th by Pro Football Focus, ahead of only the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins.
Paul Sullivan: With Aaron Rodgers and Phil Mickelson around, we could all use a break from the world of sports
Joshua Bessex
— 2021 record, finish: 4-13, last in AFC East
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 200-to-1
— Reason for optimism: A healthier roster. Defensive end Carl Lawson missed the entire 2021 season with a torn Achilles tendon, wide receiver Corey Davis missed eight games with a groin injury and rookie wide receiver Elijah Moore, a second-round pick, missed five games with a quad injury. Left tackle Mekhi Becton, the 11th overall pick in 2020, played just 48 snaps before suffering a season-ending knee injury. If all four can stay healthy in 2022, that would make a huge difference for a roster in desperate need of playmakers.
— Reason for skepticism: Zach Wilson. The No. 2 overall pick entered the league with plenty of hype after a breakout season at BYU, but he failed to meet expectations as a rookie. Wilson ranked 34th of 37 qualifying quarterbacks in PFF grading and, according to RBSDM.com, was by far the worst among 31 quarterbacks who played a minimum of 300 snaps in expected points added per play, a measure of efficiency that accounts for situational factors such as down, distance and field position. After such a disappointing first season, it’s hard to envision a Burrow-like leap for the Jets’ franchise quarterback.
Joshua Bessex
— 2021 record, finish: 4-13, last in AFC East
— Super Bowl 57 odds: 200-to-1
— Reason for optimism: A healthier roster. Defensive end Carl Lawson missed the entire 2021 season with a torn Achilles tendon, wide receiver Corey Davis missed eight games with a groin injury and rookie wide receiver Elijah Moore, a second-round pick, missed five games with a quad injury. Left tackle Mekhi Becton, the 11th overall pick in 2020, played just 48 snaps before suffering a season-ending knee injury. If all four can stay healthy in 2022, that would make a huge difference for a roster in desperate need of playmakers.
— Reason for skepticism: Zach Wilson. The No. 2 overall pick entered the league with plenty of hype after a breakout season at BYU, but he failed to meet expectations as a rookie. Wilson ranked 34th of 37 qualifying quarterbacks in PFF grading and, according to RBSDM.com, was by far the worst among 31 quarterbacks who played a minimum of 300 snaps in expected points added per play, a measure of efficiency that accounts for situational factors such as down, distance and field position. After such a disappointing first season, it’s hard to envision a Burrow-like leap for the Jets’ franchise quarterback.
Source: Mayfield requests trade after Browns chase Watson
David Richard
FILE - Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield watches teammates warm up for an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 9, 2022, in Cleveland. Knowing he's probably done with the Browns, Mayfield posted a long note on social media, thanking Cleveland and its fans for embracing him and his wife, Emily.(AP Photo/David Richard, File)
David Richard
FILE - Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield watches teammates warm up for an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 9, 2022, in Cleveland. Knowing he's probably done with the Browns, Mayfield posted a long note on social media, thanking Cleveland and its fans for embracing him and his wife, Emily.(AP Photo/David Richard, File)
