Baker Mayfield is on his way out in Cleveland, and the quarterback is starting to speak his mind about the entire situation. After being bumped to the trade block following the Browns’ acquisition of Deshaun Watson, Mayfield stated that he’s felt disrespected throughout the whole ordeal.
[RELATED: “No Market” For Baker Mayfield]
“I feel disrespected 100% because I was told one thing and they completely did another,” Mayfield said during his appearance on the “Ya Neva Know: You Know What I Mean?” podcast (via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal). “That’s what I’m in the middle of right now. And you know what? OK. I got my taste of it because I’ve had four different head coaches in four years, a bunch of different coordinators. I’ve had the highs, and they always come back.”
Mayfield is referring to statements made by Andrew Berry back in January, when the GM said he fully expected the former first-overall pick to be under center for Cleveland in 2022. Things have obviously changed following the blockbuster acquisition of Watson, and while it hasn’t been explicitly stated, there’s no way the Browns enter next season with Mayfield still on the roster.
We heard recently that the Browns were struggling to find a suitor for Mayfield, but Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports notes that neither side wants this tension to linger deep into the offseason. In fact, the reporter believes we could get a resolution in the coming weeks. So where could Mayfield land? The quarterback has some of his own theories.
“Um … Seattle?” Mayfield said during his podcast appearance (via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times). “I mean it’d probably be the most likely option. But even then, I have no idea.”
Dude is a child.
How so? Dude played hurt almost every game. Sure, he’s not a top 10 QB, but a child? Come on.
Some people are just grasping for reasons to feel superior to professional athletes.
I wouldn’t say child. He’s an adult that may have a few priorities out of order in just opinion. He has an opinion and I respect that. He just had a different personality than why you look for in a QB. I think that has hurt him. He’s right ( even tho it’s an excuse and leaders done make excuses) in that his coaching has been a merry go round. I think the commercials were very premature. I’m not sure people want to deal with him. He may not get a starting gig and that’s a shame with guys like Daniel Jones starting in this league. I think Baker is too 25 at least.
Very unusual situation
I don’t think child was the right word to use but if he would have kept his mouth shut he would have more options I believe. So child no but foolish yes.
Matt Ryan behaved the same way he did…he gets no flack for it.
False
How so?
Dumb take.
Got crapped on for playing hurt. That dude was clearly better than Keenum and it was evidenced by him playing while hurt instead of a healthy keenum.
But hey let’s be okay with the guy who is going around to massage parlors and getting accused of sexual misconduct.
Can’t dispute regarding Watson. But Watson does not excuse Bakers short comings
100% right. Browns wanted a mature adult QB that’s not sliding into every chicks DMs within a 100 mile radius for a ‘massage’/coerced rub and tugs.
Lol. Can’t sink what has not ever floated. This franchise that has gone 0-16 within the last 5 years and won only 1 playoff game in the last 15 years. I’m a Browns fan and I’m optimistic, but the risks you outline are real; they basically have 2-3 seasons max to make this work or it’ll be another decade plus of irrelevance.
I’m calling Philly. If he’s winning they will absolutely love his personality but the second they lose…. Pure comedy
No thank you. If the Eagles brass are not content with Hurts they don’t move on to Mayfield, it’s just not worth the slight increase in some areas and decreases in other areas. For that you ride with Hurts another year and then he’s either proven to be QB1 or you use your 2 firsts next year to get it.
If I’m Seattle. Head case?
I hope he goes to Seattle and they go 0-17 for the next decade like the Lions. You trade away the best QB you have ever had and then disrespect Bobby Wagner like that. Disgusting. I hope the Broncos win the next 10 Superbowls too.
What is a team supposed to do when it’s time to rebuild? Ignore it and be sentimental to clearly declining players? That’s a recipe for a decade of losing.
They didn’t need to rebuild until they traded Russ away. Secondly you do not do that to your employees. Wagner found out via media. They coudn’t even be bothered to send him a text.
The hawks don’t owe anyone anything . They don’t need to run by him who they are letting go or traded . So what how he found out. That life . In the real world not the sports world. They don’t run by they employees who they going to let go . It just happens
Mr. Shy you are correct, so the better decision is trade a terrific QB instead of getting rid of an 70 year old outdated coach? Wow that is almost as crazy as throwing at the goal line to win the Super Bowl when you have Marshawn Lynch in the back field. Hmmm who would do that? Oh yea and then he said “ we threw a pass because that is what we do.” Really Pete you throw away Super Bowls?
Bobby was clearly mishandled. Russ wanted the trade, they didn’t. You can’t force him to stay. Get what you can. They did well, considering. His contract was an albatross. Despite all the rah rah Go Hawks, he is invariably a bottom line guy. Surround me with a talented O-line…as I fleece your cap space
They created a miserable environment that people don’t want to stick around for. The correct way to handle that was to fire the coach and gm so russ stays. Russ Keeps the team competitive — there is no other way to success except completely rebuilding which could take 3 more decades.
They couldn’t afford to have a good team with the amount they were paying Russ. He was discontent. He wanted a better offensive line but never thought about his huge contract keeping the team from being able to sign good linemen.
A lot of us Seahawks fans tired of Russ. And we are tired of Carroll. He has lost his energy. Actually, it seems Russ lost his energy, too.
Worked for the Phillies. Just hold onto guys like 3 or 4 years too long and win nada for a decade plus.
Problem with todays media, it’s out there before teams even get a chance to say anything to the player. Woj knows NBA ish before most of the organization does. Same for the NFL and Shefty.
The Seahawks themselves admitted that they screwed it up. No need to defend them.
“Disgusting” seems like overkill… maybe go with disappointing.
I think the Browns have misplayed the Mayfield situation at each turn…but NOT because they owe him anything.
The part where no one wants him should cause him to reevaluate the level of respect to which he feels entitled.
Teams want him but why give up anything when they know the Browns will release him? I guarantee that the minute he gets released a lot of teams will be calling his agent. Dallas did the same thing with Cooper. Teams were waiting for him to be released but the Browns gave up a 6th and restructured his contract
I doubt it. Mayfield disrepcted himself with his performances the last few years.
Last year, when he was hurt. 2020 he finished 10th in QB in the NFL. He’s definitely better than last year. I’m happy with Watson but I would have been ok with Mayfield for this coming season.
So, when he is basically free…then he’ll be “respected”.
Like when a guy on the street hands out CD’s, people will take it.
Free gas station cds like the Duke Boys!
That’s the real issue here. No team is trading more than a 6th round pick for him right now because they know he isn’t going to be on their roster when training camp rolls around anyway.
Mayfield caught a rough break that the Watson stuff unfolded as late as it did. If I were Washington, for example, I would much rather have him than pay Wentz $10 million more this year.
I hope he ends up in Seattle. That would at least be interesting. Drew Lock is not interesting. The Browns have zero leverage, so I’m sure that teams are putting it to them. They are going to have to pay his contract and hope to get a 5th rounder back?
Can you please stop adding a sentence to move this back to the top of the articles? Thanks in advance.
I completely support baker on this. Franchise who drafts you number 1 overall then competes this year when he’s injured with a bad shoulder then have the team at the conclusion of the season say your our QB next year then 2 months later make it public that they’re interested in Watson who’s a sexual predator. Yeah way to go browns dipshits
The Browns could have handled it better but bottom line is they upgraded the quarterback position with Watson. Watson’s last year playing, he was spectacular. No running game and only Cooks for the whole year
And he hasn’t played in over a year, there will be a suspension, and a new offense for him to learn. As good as Watson was it didn’t make them a playoff team.
Probably no suspension this year. Browns beat writers are saying since civil cases won’t take place until after the season is over, the commissioner will wait. As for missing a year, Brady missed a year and didn’t affect him. Burrow missed 9 months and it didn’t affect him. New offense to learn? They’re installing what he had in Houston. That’s why they signed 2 mobile backups at QB. As far as not winning, he made the playoffs in at least 2 of his 4 years, maybe 3. The last year, they were void of talent. Their defense gave up 29 points a game
The dirty little secret for the Browns’ offense is that the line has gotten worse in each of the last three offseasons. With the Watson trade they definitely upgraded the qb position in terms of talent but at the cost of a huge chunk of their future draft capital and cap space. Add in the fact that a lot of defensive contributors are gonna be finishing up their rookie deals in that same time frame and need to be extended or replaced and the trade has the potential (not saying it necessarily will) to sink the franchise while they have their franchise qb.
Ward is up after this year on defense. The rest of the defense is 2, 3 and 4 years. Offensive line got worse? 2 pro bowlers this year. Conklin was hurt or it may have been 3. The running backs ALL averaged over 5 yards per carry. They are stacked everywhere but DL and WR and that’s what they’re going after in free agency and the draft
Whether Browns fans like it or not…Baker had a lot to do with the culture change in Cleveland.
It’s odd how quickly the team/city turned on this kid. Even if you wanted to move on, I feel like there’s a better way to go about it.
Dumped him for a sexual predator too…..
They wanted an “adult” at QB, which must reflect the crimes committed as DeShaun longer considered a juvenile offender…
Allegedly
Please come to Seattle nick bosa will plant a flag in your prostate gland
The Seahawks themselves admitted that they screwed it up. No need to defend them.interesting. Bosa showed no signs of being a doctor previously.
I’d rather him than Drew Lock.
I’d rather have Ian Book than Drew Lock
I’d rather have Kyle Sloter than Ian Book.
I’d rather have Cody Pickett than Kyle Sloter.
The Browns hosed themselves, but Baker would be better off saying nothing. He’s in an odd injury/contract situation and thus should simply concentrate on his rehab in 2022. He’s young enough and capable enough to win the lottery in 2023.
He’s been a statistically middle of the pack QB on a poorly run franchise. In 4-years he’s had 3 HC and an interim HC.
The Browns squandered the market for him and between the team and Mayfield running their mouths, his trade value continues to fall along with the eagerness of a team to part with draft picks to bring him in. His $18M Cap hit doesn’t help the Browns or whomever picks him up as it’s guaranteed as a 5th year option pick up.
The Browns may have to wait this out and hope for a terrible event during OTA’s where a team loses their QB to an ACL or Achilles tear. Not a very good plan.
Very realistic take. Baker should just shut up and let his agent take care of it. A smart man would come to camp, keep his head down, run the second team offense and prepare for preseason. When the first QB goes down, he should set himself up to be the first backup called.
I think the underlying story here is “does the Browns drama continue once Mayfield is gone?”
There’s little evidence beyond signing a high-tier QB with highly questionable morals that their organization is improving. The Browns are forcing Watson on the fans the same way the judge dismissed obvious evidence from the trial in Sidney Lumet’s “The Verdict”. It’s not all that believable or something to stand behind proudly.
That question looms over Mayfield’s maturity or Watson’s credibility. Over the past 5-6 years Cleveland has been a club where QB careers go to end through lop-sided deals and roulette-wheel coaching with a front-office that just can’t ever seem to get things stable. Period.
That might change, but in the same way players are handed ‘prove-it’ deals, the Browns need to prove themselves out of that stigma.
Baker is a pretty good quarterback. So he had an ego – I have no issue with that. You want your leader to have some swagger. Amazing he was doing so well, considering the coaching revolving door he deals with. Rooting for him wherever he goes.
Two predictions – the commercials will stop
and the second half of his career will be better than the Cleveland years
Baker could be leading the Lions Panthers Eagles Giants or Steelers in two years.
This.
Unless Carolina thinks Malik Willis is (young) Cam 2.0 … even if they do … Mayfield > Darnold
They’ve got ONE shot at #6 then have to wait 131 picks before they pick again in the 4th Round
It’s not ideal by any stretch but they created their situation
The Hawks don’t need Mayfield; they need to trade for Minshew.
I’d love to see Philly send Hurts or Minshew to Seattle, draft a QB and sit him for a year or so.
+1 If the Seahawks trade for Baker, they might as well consider their primary player collateral for Wilson a bust. Baker is a leader and an uber-dedicated teammate, but part of that is competition. Minshew’s been in the backseat for numerous teams and would bring a competitive culture with Lock that would mesh easier, and one that wouldn’t create contentious press.
Also the 12th Man type of “mustache” mania would totally feed into that area if he were to take the #1 spot.