Getty Image / Jason Miller
- The Browns are officially out of the running for QB Deshaun Watson
- Now, the team is backtracking on their stance with starter Baker Mayfield
- Read more NFL news here
The Cleveland Browns are officially out of the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes.
Rumors began to swirl earlier this week of the possibility of dishing starter Baker Mayfield in order to land a big name on the quarterback market. Deshaun Watson certainly fit that mold.
Watson is probably the biggest talent left on the market as the Texans try to unload the former first-round pick. He’s met with a number of teams this week, including Cleveland. The Browns were reportedly selected as one of three potential trading partners.
Expectedly, that news didn’t sit well with Mayfield.
With the uncertainty of the future, the starting signal caller actually penned a note to fans and followers, almost signaling an eventual break up between him and the team.
Mayfield was upset about the Browns meeting with other QB options. Cleveland said they wanted an “adult” to lead the team at the position. Even some teammates began to turn on the passer.
The rift caused a sense of separation and a split seemed inevitable.
That was until Thursday morning, when the Browns were notified that they’d no longer be considered as a trading option for the Texans.
With the team missing out on Watson, Cleveland is backtracking on their future with Mayfield.
Browns Backtrack On Baker, Social Media Reacts
With the news that they’re now out of the Deshaun Watson Sweepstakes, the Browns are seemingly trying to mend the recently burnt bridge between management and their quarterback.
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
A report from Mike Garafolo states that Cleveland “still views Baker Mayfield as their quarterback,” and that they’d only explore “top-tier QBs” on the trade market.
With Watson off the table, it looks like Mayfield may be staying put in Cleveland. Social media was quick to react to the now awkward situation that the Browns find themselves in.
Still views Baker as their QB? okay, good luck with that
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 17, 2022
— Antonio MacBeath (@TonyTrashPanda) March 17, 2022
“Deshaun Watson not going to the Browns”
Baker Mayfield: pic.twitter.com/ApWM27qjqI
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) March 17, 2022
Hey uh baker about all that callling you a infantile child with shit for brains and a bad heart u know we were just playing right
— PFT Commenter (@PFTCommenter) March 17, 2022
Now, we wait to see how Baker Mayfield handles things after his statement the other day. In recent days, he’s told some #Browns teammates he’s prepared for anything. Returning to Cleveland still very much an option. https://t.co/eJ91S0Dc9Y
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 17, 2022
Browns: “We good?”
Baker Mayfield: pic.twitter.com/PP6o1opphW
— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin_) March 17, 2022
The Browns calling Baker Mayfield rn pic.twitter.com/VTnivgpWqL
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) March 17, 2022
Browns to Baker Mayfield pic.twitter.com/iMtRuUhYB4
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) March 17, 2022
Browns just texted Baker Mayfield the following: “U up?”
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) March 17, 2022
Browns execs apologizing for the Baker Mayfield slander rnpic.twitter.com/whSUu6cYaK
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 17, 2022
Time will tell if Baker stays in Cleveland or if the relationship has been severed for good.