The Cleveland Browns have been heavily linked with wantaway Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. With that said, it is obvious that if the team lands the QB, they'll be parting ways with Baker Mayfield.

But how about if they fail in their pursuit of the Texans signal-caller? Well, apparently, that doesn't change the Browns' plans of moving on from Mayfield.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Texans are not interested in Mayfield (or any other player for that matter) in a deal for Watson since they are seeking for picks. So the Browns' only option is to trade Mayfield in a separate transaction if ever they get the three-time Pro Bowler. If they don't, there is still the high possibility of Cleveland dealing their QB as they look to start anew.

Baker Mayfield won’t be headed back home to Texas as part of the trade offer for Deshaun Watson, but he could be dealt even if the trade doesn’t happen.

A league source tells cleveland.com that the Texans want picks and not players, which is a major reason Mayfield isn’t part of the Browns’ package. The Texans are also prepared to start Davis Mills, their 2021 third round pick out of Stanford, again next season.

Article Continues Below
More Cleveland Browns News
Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett gestures to rookie Shedeur Sanders during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
Browns rumors: This Cleveland QB predicted to be traded before training camp, per NFL insiderZachary Weinberger ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Shedeur Sanders gets ‘elite’ evaluation from Browns reporterRichard Pereira ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.
Browns’ Shedeur Sanders gets very disappointing update in campMalik Brown ·
Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett, left, chats with quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during an NFL practice at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.
Insider suggests Browns schedule will be factor in starting QB battleZachary Weinberger ·
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett (7) walks off the field after win against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field.
Kenny Pickett makes promise about Super Bowl stint with EaglesBen Strauss ·
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Browns HC Kevin Stefanski breaks silence on Myles Garrett, players’ OTAs absenceRichard Pereira ·

For what it's worth, the Browns are reportedly doing their due diligence in searching for a quarterback as their frustration on Baker Mayfield's inconsistency mounts.

Cleveland has also been doing their best to clear cap space for the potential Deshaun Watson deal, and members of the organization are even flying to Houston to talk to him in person.

With the way things are going, it does look like the Browns have no plans of continuing their partnership with Mayfield no matter what. That has become quite clear in the past few days, given the fact that the team is not even hiding their pursuit of another QB.

Of course a lot can still happen in free agency, and nothing is set in stone for now. The Browns could really use something new on offense, and as for Mayfield, he may be able to benefit from a change of scenery as well.