Baker Mayfield says he feels “disrespected” by the Cleveland Browns after they traded for Deshaun Watson last month, effectively ending Mayfield’s tenure after four seasons as the team’s starting quarterback.
“One hundred percent,” Mayfield said on the “YNK” podcast released Wednesday. “I was told one thing and they completely did another.”
Mayfield covered a range of topics on the podcast, including where he might play next.
Though Mayfield remains on the Browns’ roster, the team is actively looking to trade him. Mayfield said the Seattle Seahawks, who traded away star quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos this offseason, were “probably the most likely option” for him.
“Even then, no idea,” said Mayfield, who is under contract for 2022 at $18.9 million — fully guaranteed — after the Browns picked up his fifth-year option last year. “I’m ready for the next chapter.”
Mayfield requested a trade March 17, two days after Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, general manager Andrew Berry and coach Kevin Stefanski flew to Houston to meet with Watson in an attempt to convince him to waive his no-trade clause.
On March 18, Watson told the Browns he was picking them over the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers.
Watson still faces 22 civil lawsuits from women who have accused him of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct, and he said during his introductory news conference with the Browns on March 25 that he “never assaulted any woman” or “disrespected any woman.”
When the Browns do officially move on from Mayfield, he will become just the third quarterback in NFL history to go No. 1 overall in the draft and last four or fewer seasons with the team that drafted him, according to ESPN Stats & Information, joining JaMarcus Russell (Raiders) and Jeff George (Colts).
“I really, truly, honestly have no regrets of my time in Cleveland of what I tried to give to that place,” Mayfield said. “True Clevelanders and true Browns fans know…
Source : espn
