Baker Mayfield's future with the Cleveland Browns looks to be running its course. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Browns' quarterback officially requested a trade from the organization on Thursday. The decision from Mayfield comes on the heels of the Browns' attempts to land Deshaun Watson, which were shot down by the Texans' quarterback on Thursday. Despite trying to move forth with Mayfield, the 26-year-old reportedly feels the “bridge is burned” and is seeking a move away.
#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
Via Adam Schefter, Mayfield said that it was “in the mutual interest of both sides for us to move on,” calling his relationship with the Browns “too far gone to mend.”
Baker Mayfield just told ESPN: “It’s in the mutual interest of both sides for us to move on. The relationship is too far fine to mend. It’s in the best interests of both sides to move on.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2022
With Mayfield now officially requesting to be moved, the Browns will potentially be seeking out a trade partner for the disgruntled quarterback, and will also need to figure out their own plans at the position for 2022, especially now that they've also failed to acquire Watson.
Mayfield had a disappointing season in 2021, battling injury throughout the year and constantly facing criticism from the media and fanbase. In all, he started 14 games for the Browns last year, going 6-8 in that span. Mayfield threw just 17 touchdown passes and had 13 interceptions in what was a down year for the former No. 1 overall pick.
The Browns reportedly plan to deny Mayfield's request to get dealt this offseason, suggesting this could be a situation that plays out throughout the summer. Based on Mayfield's description of his relationship with the Browns, it seems unlikely he'll want to return in 2022, despite the Browns' stance on his trade request.
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