It’s becoming increasingly apparent that the Cleveland Browns are headed for an ugly divorce with starting quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Earlier on Tuesday, Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson met with the Browns’ brass as the Pro Bowler figures out where he is going to play next.
Said meeting came with a rather obvious backdrop. Per multiple media reports, Houston is only allowing Watson to meet with teams who have already made a trade offer for the quarterback.
As the day continued, Baker Mayfield broke his social media silence with a long post that seemed to suggest he has played his final snap in a Cleveland Browns uniform.
“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 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 ever level. And that will not change wherever I take my next snap.”
Baker Mayfield on Twitter (March 15, 2022)
Mayfield’s social media post was met with a ton of reactions from those on social media.
Mayfield’s Twitter post comes following reports that the Browns could end up trading him even if they don’t acquire Watson in a blockbuster trade with Houston. It’s in this that rumors are heating up that San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo could be headed to Cleveland.
The No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Mayfield is entering the final season of his rookie deal with the Cleveland Browns. There’s no indications that the two sides are even talking about an extension this offseason, furthering the divide in the process.
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It’s not a coincidence that Mayfield sent out this social media post mere minutes after Cleveland’s brass finished up its meeting with Watson in Texas.
In fact, an argument can be made that this entire situation paints the Browns in a bad light. They have publicly indicated that they believe Mayfield will be the Week 1 starter in 2022. All the while, general manager Andrew Berry and Co. have been working behind the scenes to find an upgrade. In addition to Watson, that includes showing interest in Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr.
For Mayfield, this can’t be a great feeling. It also seems to suggest that there’s no chance the quarterback will be in Cleveland next season.