The relationship between Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns has turned toxic in a hurry.
Two days ago, amid the Browns openly pursuing Deshaun Watson, Mayfield posted a message on Twitter thanking Cleveland fans for their support. It became increasingly likely the Browns would try to trade the former No. 1 pick whether or not they acquired Watson from the Houston Texans.
On Thursday morning, NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo reported that the Browns were told they’re “out of the running” for Watson. Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Mayfield later requested a trade.
#Browns QB Baker Mayfield has requested a trade, per sources.
Cleveland has been hoping to move forward after its Deshaun Watson pursuit and offered to fly to Texas to meet with Mayfield. But from the QB’s perspective, the bridge is burned and it’s time to move on now.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2022
According to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns are not prepared to comply.
#Browns have told Baker Mayfield’s agent they are NOT accomodating his request, a league source tells clevelanddotcom
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 17, 2022
This is the same franchise that, per ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, wanted to replaced Mayfield with an “adult” as its recruited a quarterback with 22 active civil suits against him for sexual assault and misconduct.
Not everyone is buying this news. Some Twitter users see the report as a negotiation ploy to salvage Cleveland’s deteriorating bargaining power.
“Don’t worry, we’re dying to trade you, but we want to create some leverage. Do you see what’s going on with the 49ers?” https://t.co/uH5BSnCvoQ
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) March 17, 2022
No chance any team believes this, but I appreciate their attempt to drive any value that exists. #Browns https://t.co/CV3wfGnM1i
— Jeff Duke Lowe of House Atreides (@JeffDLowe) March 17, 2022
We’re not trading Baker. https://t.co/uml6AoIbAB
— thehojo 🇺🇦 🇺🇸 (@thehojo) March 17, 2022
However, ESPN’s Peter Burns suggested that they Browns are only making the situation worse by continuing to signal a fractured relationship.
The Browns needed to learn from the Seahawks.
Never throw the QB under the bus until the paperwork of a trade is signed.
Now all they’ve done is torpedo whatever value Baker would have on the market and created a toxic situation that I can’t see ending well for them
On brand https://t.co/RR4MoLhdNJ
— Peter Burns (@PeterBurnsESPN) March 17, 2022
Others see this as just the latest example of the Browns’ ineptitude.
I thought the Browns were done being a clown franchise when they went to the playoffs but nope
All because they didn’t communicate with the man https://t.co/NgytUSlteV
— Wheelz (@WheelzFL) March 17, 2022
The Browns are literally self destructing before our eyes. What a horrific franchise 😂 https://t.co/VcXDNzyhlo
— OSURecruiting⭕️🌰 (@OsuRecruiting17) March 17, 2022
Regardless of Cleveland’s intentions, this situation could already be broken beyond repair.
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